VOLUME SIX | ISSUE ONE | FREE
The Spring Issue
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
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Welcome to the latest issue of Kensington & Chelsea Review. Filled with art, travel, culture and luxury, Kensington & Chelsea Review is the magazine for the rather discerning resident of the Royal Borough. Cherry Blosson image credit: LoggaWiggler, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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EDITOR’S LETTER Spring is finally here and we’re looking ahead to getting back out and about in the Borough and further afield after what seems to have been a rather long Winter hibernation. There are plenty of great reasons to venture forth with a host of fascinating arts and culture exhibitions and events, and new dining offerings - some of which you can read about in the following pages. And it’s a perfect time to dust off your suitcases and start to book some exciting overseas travel and luxury as well as mini-breaks here in the UK. This issue showcases some of the favourite places we’ve recently visited, from fine city hotels and picture-perfect thatched cottages to rural retreats and exotic wildlife rich escapes. Read on to also discover the best in luxury cars, beauty, health, style and of course our regular KCR curated shopping edit. Wishing you all a wonderful Spring The KCR team
CONTENTS 6.NEWS All the latest happenings across the Borough. 10.ARTS AND CULTURE The best in upcoming art shows and exhibitions to savour 32.TRAVEL From picture-perfect staycations, to city hotels and exotic long haul breaks 58. GASTRO FILES Favourite acclaimed eateries we’ve sampled recently 60. LUXURY LIFESTYLE EDIT Beauty, Style, Health, Food & Wine & Cars
PUBLISHER
Talismanic Media FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Sid Raghava
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Lisa Curtiss SUB EDITOR
Sarah Rodrigues OFFICE MANAGER
Lee Marrero
KCR CONTRIBUTOR TEAM Sid Raghava Sarah Rodrigues Gabrielle Scarlett Greg Rook Alice Bradley Rupert Parker Sara Darling Lisa Curtiss Madévi Dailly Sarah Lavigne Tracy Borman Sarah Moran Andrew Coles Kristie Smith Victoria Tozzi Lidster
All material in Kensington & Chelsea Review is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without prior permission of the publishers. Colour transparencies and photographs submitted for publication are sent at the owners’ risk and while every care is taken, neither the publisher or their agents accept liability for loss or damage however caused. The publishers can accept no liability whatsoever of any nature arising out of nor in connection with the contents of this publication. Opinions expressed within the articles are not recessarily those of Kensington & Chelsea Review and any issues arising therefore should be taken up directly with the contributor
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READ ALL ABOUT IT A RUNDOWN OF NEWS AND THINGS THAT INTRIGUE US FROM THE WORLDS OF ART AND CULTURE, ALL HANDPICKED FOR THE ROYAL BOROUGH RESIDENT Gentlemen’s Bookmaker Fitzdares, the ‘world’s finest bookmaker’ has recently launched an amazing pocket book called a ‘Guide to Excellent Living in London’ for the most discerning gentleman,written most mysteriously by fictional character William Wolfe. The book cherry picks over one hundred of the best venues, shops and services in the Big Smoke today. It celebrates those bastions of London that still keep alive craftsmanship and excellent service and is neatly sub-divided into three user-friendly sections: Morning, Noon and Night, including everything from dry cleaners and cobblers to nightclubs and hotels. The book is available for purchase from The Fitzdares Club, Jeeves of Belgravia and Gentleman’s Journal for £14.99. www.fitzdares.co.uk
People’s Kitchen Laylow on Golborne Road is proud to support ‘People’s Kitchen: To Your Door’, an initiative run by Goldfinger to provide free meals and doorstep chats to the vulnerable. Laylow has helped Goldfinger deliver 5,000 meals to vulnerable individuals since 2020. Originally conceived as an emergency response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the service has been so successful that it continues and hopes to deliver over 10,000 meals to the vulnerable over the next six months. People’s Kitchen also strive to tackle loneliness and food poverty caused by the pandemic and as a community-orientated business, are dedicated to helping isolated residents in and around the North Kensington area. www.laylow.co.uk
Sir Alfred Munnings – A Life of His Own Sir. Alfred Munnings is now considered one of the most important English artists of the 20th century, and as far as equestrian painters are concerned, probably himself and Stubbs are the top two. The British Sporting Art Trust are doing a Munnings retrospective, including loans from The Household Cavalry, The Harewood House Trust , and the Jockey Club. Munnings is increasingly respected and admired for his subjects including the rural life of East Anglia, gypsies, farm labourers, the market place, the horse fair, the pet pony and the comfortable country folk at their leisure. The rare retrospective will be open to view at The Osborne Studio Gallery 26 April to 14 May and The National Horseracing Museum Newmarket 24 May to 12 June. Son of a Suffolk miller, Munnings rose to become a country gentleman, at home in the grandest society, and one of England’s greatest twentieth century artists. www.osg.uk.com www.bsat.co.uk
Sensating Stress Away Sensate’s is a state-of-the-art sensory device and audio app sending ripples of calmness through the UK. It was developed as a palm-size stress-busting wearable audio app, which uses infrasonic waves to resonate through the body. It is an immersive experience wherein the app includes soundscapes that are synchronised to the vibrations that the device emits. It is placed on the chest and targets the vagus nerve to facilitate relaxation and improved resilience to stress. Founder, Stefan Chmelik, has meditated for over 45 years and has 30 years of experience in the medical industry. With his expertise, Sensate have designed a state-of-the-art sensory device and audio app designed to calm our fight-flight-freeze response through non-invasive sound vibration technology. The latest version of the product, Sensate 2, provides an immersive experience. The device emits infrasonic waves, which are synchronised and in harmony with specifically composed soundscape sessions, available on the Sensate App which is free to download. www.getsensate.com
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Rescheduled London Art Fair With over 100 exhibiting galleries from across the globe, the Fair includes returning galleries such as Richard Green, James Hyman, and Purdy Hicks, along with a range of new and international exhibitors and highly regarded curated spaces. The Fair will feature worldrenowned artists Henry Moore, David Hockney, Bridget Riley, and Paula Rego. The Fair has also announced their daily programme of in-depth panel talks, specialised tours, workshops, and performances that provide key insights into the latest trends emerging within the art market. This year will also see the introduction of a hybrid programme of both online and in-person panel discussions before and during the Fair. www.londonartfair.co.uk
LEON on King’s Naturally Fast Food brand LEON has opened a new site on King’s Road in Chelsea. The site will feature 18 internal seats and is proud to have generated 25 job vacancies. Glenn Edwards, Managing Director said: “We are delighted to be opening our first LEON on the King’s Road, a celebrated neighbourhood which appeals to locals and tourists alike. It’s a privilege to open anywhere people gather and have a passion for food that tastes good and does good! We’ve had our eye on this site since before the pandemic, so to be able to make it happen with the support from EG Group is exciting.” Guests will find all the usual LEON favourites such as Carbon Neutral Burgers, Grilled Wraps, delicious breakfast and all-day options, as well some exciting new for 2022 additions to the menu, including the Vegan Everyday Dahl and Jerk N’ Jam Chicken Wrap. LEON King’s Road will also be participating in the Cadogan VIP card scheme and offering 15% off to all King’s Road neighbours. www.leon.co
Gems from the Oceans Bee Goddess’ stunning Aqua Light Collection is available from their boutique in Walton Street and from their store within Harrods. Water being the source of life, the brand believes that various symbols of the sea are a tribute to feminine energy and help us connect with spiritual rebirth, creativity, and initiation into new life, through the power of intuition and emotional intelligence. Composed of precious gems including blue and white diamonds, emeralds and blue topaz, which are set in 14K gold, Bee Goddess’ Aqua Light collection brings together earth and water elements to balance our ability to give and receive, to work and play. The symbols of Aqua Light encourage inner healing through empathy and caring and help free all blocked emotions. Each talisman brings forward the themes of soothing, pampering, and relaxing the mind to inspire a feeling of calm and joy. The collection includes the symbols of Oyster, Turtle, Star Fish and Seahorse, each bringing their own unique light and enlightenment to the wearer. www.beegoddess.com
Luxury Residences in Algarve Forming part of the stunning Quinta do Lago in The Algarve and celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, the award-winning golf resort and all year round sun-haven is proud to add One Green Way Residences to its portfolio of luxury properties and developments for sale. Launching in April 2022, One Green Way Residences is the latest in an exceptional collection of Quinta do Lago Real Estate’s standalone private villa estates and apartments. Curving alongside Quinta do Lago’s North Course with breath-taking views over Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Mediterranean, the gated community features 89 luxury serviced state-of-the-art residences – comprised of 62 apartments and 27 villas. Each sustainability led residence evokes the warmth and tranquillity of a life lived under the sun with generous living space inside and out, ranging from 380 m2 to 925 m2 per plot. Prices start from €2.75M with the additional benefits of being on an award-winning five-star luxury resort. www.quintadolago.com
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Indian Tapas Manthan, the recently opened Mayfair restaurant from critically acclaimed Chef Rohit Ghai of Kutir in Chelsea, has launched a new brunch menu of innovative Indian sharing plates. Served everyday from 12.30pm to 5pm, the new menu features signature dishes including Chicken Buttermilk with pink peppercorn, ginger and curry leaf, Kerala prawn curry and Malpua Rabri (pistachio, saffron, pancake) alongside a vegetarian menu offering dishes including the Paneer Malai, Chholey Bhature (fermented bread, chickpea, pickle), and the Classical Trio (Laddoo, Gulab Jamun, Srikhand). To drink, guests can sip on one of Manthan’s signature cocktails the Mango and date bellini or Sangam chi spice infused white rum with tandoori pineapple and tikki bitters. https://www.manthanmayfair.co.uk
Grow2Know @RHSCFS Unique social enterprise Grow2Know is making its debut at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year – with an installation that provokes much-needed debate around racial and climate injustice. Founded in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, Grow2Know is a non-profit organisation that showcases the power gardening has to heal and unify. Its garden, entitled ‘Hands Off Mangrove by Grow2Know’ is inspired by the infamous story of the Mangrove Nine defendants in 1970s Notting Hill, as well as the deforestation of Mangrove forests globally. Creating a long-lasting legacy, the garden will be relocated from the showgrounds in Chelsea to a community space in North Kensington once the show has concluded. https://grow2know.org.uk/
Metro Bank Magic Money Campaign Metro Bank’s London stores - including Fulham Broadway, Tottenham Court Road, High Street Kensington, Kings Road, Putney and Piccadilly – have collectively raised £1,825.05 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Throughout December, customers, colleagues and visitors to the London stores donated via the in store coin counter Magic Money Machine or via cashless donations by scanning the QR code on the ‘magic’ gold coins found on the tree in store. “Thank you to everyone who helped us raise £1,825.05, especially considering what a difficult year it was,” commented Dan Byron, Holborn Metro Bank’s Store Manager. “Charities have been hugely impacted by the pandemic and as a community bank, we hope that this donation will help make a difference in the lives of local children and their families”. Great Ormond Street Hospital opened its doors in 1852 and is one of the world’s leading hospitals supporting children and young adults with complex illnesses. https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/
Tanzanian Feminist at Richard Saltoun Everlyn Nicodemus is doing her first solo exhibition in London in over 15 years ar The Richard Saltoun Gallery. The exhibition brings together a selection of large-scale paintings & works on paper spanning 40 years of the artist’s career, including unseen paintings from The Wedding (1991-92) series. An artist and writer, Everlyn Nicodemus is one of the strongest feminist voices to emerge from Eastern Africa in the past 50 years. Across her career, she has made paintings, assemblages, collaged ‘books’, photographs, and poems. Her powerful works draw on personal trauma and her ordeal with PTSD to explore poignant topics like systematic discrimination, human suffering, the marginalisation of women throughout history and the role that art can play in healing. In the run up to the exhibition, National Portrait gallery has just acquired a self-portrait by Everlyn Nicodemus, the first by a black female artist to enter the museum’s collection. www.richardsaltoun.com
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A Beach Date on Isle of Wight Buzzy beachfront restaurant, The Hut, nestled in the heart of Colwell Bay, reopened in March 2022 for their 9th season, putting long lunches and alfresco dining back on the menu. Having established itself as the UK’s most iconic coastal destination, The Hut has built an impressive reputation as the island’s hotspot with its and chic casual dining, a delicious menu with the freshest of ingredients plus live DJs. It’s the place to see one of the best sunsets in the UK with spectacular panoramic ocean views that stretch across the Solent. New Head Chef, Lucian Romocea, is bringing his Catalan cooking style to dishes from his experience working as a chef in Barcelona.He’ll work under Ian Daw, Chef Director, both formerly of The Ned. They’ll be launching a new menu, with a selection of lighter style dishes packed with tons of flavour, including ‘Seared Seabass with Maitake Dashi, Yuzu Kosho, Pak Choi and Monks Beard’ and the Gambas a la Cazuela, with Chorizo, and Piquello Pepper Ragu’. Located on the north western coast of the Isle of Wight The Hut is the perfect spot for seaside dining and day trips from the UK - it’s just 1hr 30mins from Central London.. www.thehutcolwell.co.uk
Thousand Year Old Buddha Statue Recovered An 8th- 9th Century Bodhisattva sculpture, looted from The Devisthan Kundalpur Temple in Kurkihar, Bihar, India, has been recovered in Italy by Art Recovery International following a decades-long search. Kurkihar, near the most sacred city of Gaya, was a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage centre between the 9th and 12th centuries and as a site, has yielded over 226 bronzes famously called the Kurkihar hoard. Many more stone and bronze sculptures from the site have been plundered to fuel the international black market in antiquities. Art Recovery’s Christopher A. Marinello located the missing sculpture and negotiated an unconditional release from an anonymous Italian collector just before Christmas. This is the second major recovery of Indian cultural heritage in the past 4 months for the joint efforts of Art Recovery International and the India Pride Project, following the successful repatriation of an 8th-century Goat Head Yogini statue from a garden in the English countryside in December 2021. https://www.artrecovery.com/
Philharmonia Orchestra announces 2022-23 Season The Philharmonia Orchestra announced the first half of its new season as Resident Orchestra at London’s Southbank Centre and residency at Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) this summer. Key highlights will include Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducting ten performances in London, and opening the season with Mahler’s fifth and first symphonies, Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason as the Orchestra’s Featured Artist and GRAMMY-nominated composer Anna Clyne as the Philharmonia’s Featured Composer. Elsewhere in the season there is a celebration of Vaughan Williams with The Bach Choir to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth on 17 November, a performance of Handel’s Messiah on 4 December, and the annual ‘Christmas at the Movies’ concert. https://philharmonia.co.uk/
Tiffany & Co.’s ‘Vision & Virtuosity Tiffany & Co. presents the “Vision & Virtuosity” exhibition at Saatchi Gallery, bringing over 400 objects from the House’s archives to London. A visual chronicle of the storied jeweller since its founding in New York City in 1837, “Vision & Virtuosity” takes visitors on a journey through everything from archival high jewellery designs, Tiffany’s famed window displays and its recently acquired Empire Diamond of over 80 carats to important relics of popular culture such as the original script from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It is a celebration of Tiffany’s authority as the purveyor of the world’s finest diamonds and a showcase of how two core values—vision and virtuosity—have guided the House for 185 years. Marking the jeweller’s 150th anniversary in London, “Vision & Virtuosity” debuts at Saatchi Gallery, located in the Duke of York’s Headquarters near Sloane Square, on 10 June 2022, and will run through to 19 August 2022. Tickets will be available to pre-book beginning 2 May 2022, via the app, available on the iOS and Google Play app stores. www.saatchigallery.com tiffany.com
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Les Lalanne: Makers of Dreams
This extensive survey of the work of the late legendary French artistic duo François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne – known collectively as ‘Les Lalanne’ – is choreographed by famed Italian designer Manfredi della Gherardesca and comprises nearly 100 works including some of the most known pieces to date. Like a magical menagerie, the show includes such masterpieces as François-Xavier’s ingeniously functional Hippopotame I, a life-size hippopotamus in blue resin which opens up to reveal a full bath suite, alongside the astonishing Hippopotame II (Bar). All four iterations of Claude’s surrealist Choupatte will be presented with its superbly detailed veined cabbage leaves atop whimsical chickens’ feet, with sizes ranging from a tabletop piece to a towering 180cm sculpture. The exhibition will also feature Claude’s never previously displayed Lit Hibou et 2 Tables de Chevet – a bespoke bed and two side tables commissioned for a collector The enduring appeal of Les Lalanne lies in their playful ingenuity, taking inspiration from nature and creating from it a world of fantasy. Their works blur lines between functional design, fine art and the decorative arts, and are always suffused with surrealist associations, a characteristic wit and timeless elegance. Following the recent Les Lalanne exhibition at the Château de Versailles as well as the major retrospective at the Museé des Arts Décoratifs in 2010, this will be the most extensive grouping of major sculptures by the duo to be shown in a gallery setting. Ben Brown Fine Arts has exhibited the work of ‘Les Lalanne’ for nearly two decades, yet this will mark their first show at the gallery following Claude’s passing three years ago. Images clockwise from top: François-Xavier Lalanne (1927 - 2008) Nouveaux Moutons (Brebis), 1995, Dated and numbered. Epoxy stone and bronze 93 x 110 x 40 cm Claude Lalanne (1925 - 2019) Pomme de Jardin (Rouge), 2011/2017, Signed, dated and numbered. Bronze 102 x 90 x 83 cm
28 April – 29 July 2022 Ben Brown Fine Arts 12 Brook’s Mews, London W1K 4DG AND Claridge’s ArtSpace, Brooks Mews, London W1
François-Xavier Lalanne (1927 - 2008) Hippopotame I, 1968/1998, Signed, dated and numbered. ‘1/1’ Blue laminated molded polyester resin and brass 126 x 283 x 88 cm
www.benbrownfinearts.com
Claude Lalanne (1925 - 2019) Choupatte, 2014/2015, Signed, dated and numbered. Bronze 57.1 x 66 x 66 cm
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Marcus Jahmal: Spiral
Spiral, a solo exhibition by American artist Marcus Jahmal, is the artist’s first solo exhibition in London and the fourth solo exhibition with Almine Rech. Raised in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighborhood, growing up in a family with roots in the West Indies and American south, his paintings synthesize a diverse range of inspirations and autobiography, drawing from photographs, ancient rituals, and personal memories. In Jahmal’s new paintings, purple hurtles along the continuum of human history. The figures that populate his washy fields wear little clothing or nothing at all, a self-abnegating refusal of millenia of class structure. They have become purple itself, their skin pulsating violet, as if emanating light. Jahmal’s color sense is finely tuned, taking something of the rabid passion of the Fauvists and the emotional immediacy of the NeoExpressionists (there are other overlaps, too: a rejection of three-dimensional space, for example). On the chromatic spectrum, purple exists somewhere between the tempestuous fury of red and the calm cool of blue. It takes both humors and makes its own. Purple vibrates at the uppermost length of the
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visible spectrum. Travel any further and you’ve left the physical realm. You can do that in a Marcus Jahmal picture, too. www.alminerech.com Until 14 May 2022 Almine Rech Grosvenor Hill, Broadbent House, London W1K 3JH Images from the top: Alley-oop, oil on canvas, 2022, 96’’x240’’ (three panels 96’’x80’’) Alexandra, oil on canvas, 2022, 80’’x96’’ All Net, oil on canvas, 2022 80’’x96’’ Flight, oil on canvas, 2022, 60’’x60’’ Etranda, oil on canvas, 2022, 84’’x72’’ Intersections, oil on canvas, 2022 60’’x72’’ Wit of the Staircase, oil on canvas, 2022, 80’’x96’’ All images © Marcus Jahmal - Courtesy of the Artist and Almine Rech
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Reginald Sylvester Feelin’ Blue
A rising star in international contemporary art, Reginald Sylvester’s radical abstract works recall such artists as Elaine de Kooning and Joan Mitchell, yet with a frenetic energy and singular painterly vocabulary that place him wholly in the present. Sylvester’s works are informed by a range of experiences and research that belie his young age. His sensibility draws from the media savvy gained from his time as a graphic designer, a close knowledge of contemporary fashion, and his historical grounding in Abstract Expressionist practices. Sylvester conceptualizes painting as a matter of finding, rather than spontaneously generating images, working in the realms which oscillate between material and spiritual. His surfaces are a multi-layered sum of painting, each layer offering a story, a philosophy and a connection to parts of Sylvester’s biography, whilst also inviting the viewer to experience the paintings through their own subjective viewpoint. Focalising Sylvester’s recent blue paintings, Feelin’ Blue sees a departure from his usual warmer palette in favour of cooler tones inspired by Portishead’s 1994 avant-garde trip-hop album Dummy. The blue ground of the painting is reminiscent of the iconic album’s cover, which features the lead vocalist Beth Gibbons imposed on a cobalt blue background. Among Sylvester’s blues, whites, browns and glossy purples are snatches of red that combine to create an enlivened, soulful painting. Reginald Sylvester II: Feelin’ Blue, curated by Wedel Art, The Arts Club, London, 23 March – 15 May 2022, theartsclub.co.uk Image credits This page: From the top: Biscuit, 2021, Acrylic and debris on canvas, 72 x 60 in. Glory Box, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 54.5 x 52 in. Facing pace: Clockwise from the top: Mysterons, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 72 x 60 in. Numb, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 95.5 x 72 in. Strangers, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 in. Wandering Star, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 in.
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Affordable Art Fair Returns Affordable Art Fair Hampstead celebrates 10 years of inviting visitors to discover the joy of collecting art on North London’s stunning Hampstead Heath this May, 5 – 8. Back with a bang after a two-year break due to the pandemic, expect leading UK and international galleries showcasing 1,000s of pieces by top emerging and established contemporary artists, all under one roof. With artworks priced from £50 up to £7,500, there’s something to catch the eye of every art-enthusiast; whether you’re a seasoned collector, first time buyer, or interiors lover looking to update your style this spring. EXHIBITING GALLERIES With over 100 exhibiting galleries showcasing 1,000s of artworks, there is so much amazing art to discover. Expect an exciting array of international art from 25 oversees exhibitors hailing from all over the world, including Contempop Gallery (New York, USA), Barnes Collective (South Africa), Ronen Gallery (The Netherlands) and T&B Gallery (South Korea) amongst many others. Joining the fair for the first time are Air Contemporary; set up in 2020 by Maria Morrow, local north Londoners Camden Open Air Gallery, Morningside Gallery from Edinburgh and Galerie Calderone from Brittany. CHAMPIONING EMERGING ARTISTS Affordable Art Fair is teaming up with Made in Arts London, a not-for-profit enterprise that promotes art and design from the brightest emerging talent across University of The Arts London (UAL)’s six colleges and institutes. Browse and buy exciting new works from the Made in Arts London 2021 cohort’s Iridescent Collection – featuring a broad spectrum of work across print, photography, illustration, sculpture and ceramics. Works from finalists of the prestigious Jackson’s Painting Prize 2022 will be unveiled at Affordable Art Fair Hampstead. The showcase will feature works selected by an expert judging panel of artists, art advisors, and leading figures in the contemporary art world – including Affordable Art Fair’s own UK Regional Managing Director, Jennifer Conner. GIVING BACK Affordable Art Fair UK is proud to support Maggie’s Royal Free, everyone’s home of cancer care, as Charity Partner for the Hampstead Fair. Maggie’s Royal Free’s centre is currently based inside the Royal Free hospital, and they are in the process of building a brand-new centre, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, which will enable them to reach many more people coping with cancer. The centre is planned to open in January 2023, and the fair provides the perfect opportunity for North London locals to support – visit Maggie’s stand to find out more. Tickets must be booked in advance at: https://affordableartfaircom/fairs/london-hampstead/
Image credits these two pages: Clockwise from the top:
Caiger Art Fintan Whelan Haven £425 Kirsty Lorenz, Votive Offering No91 - Dog Roses after Mary Delany, £1995, Heriot Gallery Corrine Natel, Cho 3, £1,800
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Leigh Butler
Landscape Artist with a Kensington Past
Leigh Butler’s life revolves around his pursuit of painting. As he says himself ‘time flies and the mind soars with ideas (when I paint). I am always on the lookout to experience something new that I could communicate to my canvas’. However gardening is the foil his at because as anybody who’s a writer or an artist knows, inspiration is always at a premium and not an easy thing to have access to. Gardening in fact is the biggest source of inspiration for many years. Being out in all weathers and seeing the play of light helps him gain new insight, feel and express new, precious feelings and provide a canvas for a play with colours. Colour is actually the most important constituent of his artwork. Colour is his muse, his passion. The thrilling experience of witnessing the play of light on a landscape is also a thrilling experience. His art and gardening combine seamlessly to give a sense of purpose to his life. The natural word inspires him obviously but so does walking with Dean, his dog. Having studied at Oxford Brookes University and Heatherley’s School of Fine art in London, Leigh Butler also has a special connection with the Royal Borough. He lived in Kensington in his formative years – in his 20s and 30s - on Melbury Road and back then was very much a local artist exhibiting in Holland Park exhibitions and entering different competitions from his studio both at home and also in Ealing. His work has been exhibited at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (2008), Royal Society of Portrait Painters (2009), Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize (2010), BP Portrait Award (2011) and the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition (2014). He also participated in the television series Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. Collections include the Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers, Windsor Museum and Library in the Royal Borough of Windsor, private collections in the UK, France, Germany, New Zealand, Australia and United States. www.leighglover.com
Marmalade Sky one of a series
www.leighglover.com
2022 RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show at Saatchi Gallery The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Saatchi Gallery continue their partnership and will present the 2022 RHS Botanical Art and Photography Show this April. Following the success of the 2021 edition, the annual exhibition will return this Spring and will showcase new work from leading botanical artists and photographers across three galleries. Entries for the show have been through a meticulous pre-selection process, where the scientific accuracy, technical skill and aesthetic appeal of the work is reviewed by an expert judging panel prior to the show opening, with artists and photographers awarded RHS Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver and Bronze medals, as well as a series of special awards including ‘Best Botanical Art Exhibit’ and ‘Judge’s Special Award’. In 2022, a diverse range of subjects will be presented by participants ranging from plants that have grown in the wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Tsunami to Rosulate Violas found at the height of the Andes Mountains. In addition, native British trees and hedgerow plants will complement illustrations of beautiful garden flowers. Anatomical drawings reveal the structure and form of some of our garden favourites, alongside explorations of the ecological and economic significance of many familiar fruits and flowers. New photography entries include stereographic panoramas from various locations in the Hampshire New Forest and macro photography capturing the details of tiny Holly Parachute fungi. Flat lay photography of winter garden buds examines how different plants flourish, with multiple entries exploring rainbow themes across image series. Former Gold medal winning exhibitors will also show their work alongside artists participating in the 2022 exhibition for the first time. Last year’s award-winning exhibits included the delicately executed ‘Native British Deciduous Trees Featuring Galls’ by Pauleen Trim and the stunningly rendered ‘Endemic Plants of Japan’s Ogasawara Islands, A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site’ from Kimiko Miyahara, setting a high standard of skill and creative flair. Gold awards for photography included Francesca Wilkinson’s ‘Full Circle – Studies of Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium’, using varied focus for dreamy vanishing forms. The show is a highlight in the calendar of the RHS Lindley Library, complementing its extensive collection of botanical artworks, photographs and illustrations which include more than 30,000 works. Charlotte Brooks, Art Curator at the RHS, “We are thrilled to be exhibiting some of the most exciting botanical art and photography at Saatchi Gallery again this year. The work submitted has been of an extremely high standard and we are excited for these artists and photographers to have the opportunity to showcase their work and delight new audiences.” Laura C. Uccello, Director of Partnerships at Saatchi Gallery, “The 2021 edition captured great interest from our visitors who enjoyed the crossover between contemporary art and science brought by this show to Saatchi Gallery. In 2022, we are excited to expand our partnership with the RHS and present new works by local and international artists which will further spark the curiosity of our audiences.” The RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show will be open to the public from the 9th-29th April 2022 with free entry for RHS and Saatchi Gallery members. For more information about the RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show visit: www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs- london-shows/rhs-botanical-art-and-photography-show Images: Edstein Corymbia ficifolia, Red Flowering Gum Certain place in Fukushima Tournefortia sibirica SLOCOCK Cyclamen persicum F1. Series Rainier Jiang Viola Molly Sanderson A. Chen Aechmea setigera Fagus crenata E Pontederia korsakowii
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Designing The Beautiful Game Ray Parlour and World Champion Freestyler Go HeadTo-Head to Tackle the Design of the Beautiful Game Ray Parlour, Arsenal legend and Invincible, took on a number of skills related challenges, to see how kit from the 1920’s would compare to the modern kit of today. Ray was joined by Andrew Henderson, five-time world champion freestyler, to put his world-renowned abilities to the test. The Design Museum has a brand-new exhibition, Football: Designing the Beautiful Game and Ray has gone head-to-head with Andrew Henderson, five-time world champion freestyler, to answer once and for all how football kit from the past, would fare against today’s modern designs. The pair faced a series of challenges. To showcase how football has embraced design and technology to improve performance on the pitch, Parlour and Henderson were invited to try out what they believed was a series of challenges in the latest boots, balls and kit. However, they were met with a surprise when they were presented with traditional kit, balls and boots from the 1920’s – to really test their abilities. 2 Ray and Andrew took on three challenges in both sets of kit, to see how design impacts performance. The players began with a free kick challenge, comparing the capabilities of the boots and flight of the ball. They were then given a timed dribbling challenge, to test agility and their close control, before finishing with a two-touch challenge, testing power and accuracy. Ray Parlour, Arsenal legend and Invincible, said: “As a member of the Arsenal Invincibles squad which stayed unbeaten for the entire 2003-04 Premier League season, I know about the importance of making history and being a part of the record books. However, it was an entirely different experience to take a trip back in time and appreciate the challenges that footballers of previous generations had to endure. Fortunately for my career and the talents of the future, football has always looked to embrace the latest design and technology to improve the performance and spectacle of the sport we all love so much. I can’t wait to see what comes next, but I know it’s only going to get bigger and better.” The Design Museum’s exhibition Football: Designing the Beautiful Game showcases the ways in which design has shaped the world’s most popular sport and is the first major exhibition that explores the story behind football. From the masterplanning of the world’s most iconic stadiums and the innovative technology used in today’s kits, to the graphic design of team badges and the phenomenon of football gaming, the exhibition will provide visitors with an insight into the history of the world’s most popular sport. The museum have worked in partnership with the National Football Museum in Manchester to produce the exhibition, providing unparalleled football expertise including over 100 significant historical objects telling the stories of club legacies and game legends such as Messi, Pelé, George Best and Diego Maradona. These are paired with a wealth of contemporary design projects from prominent figures across the field, as well as major sportswear brands such as Nike, adidas, PUMA, Hummel and Umbro. Eleanor Watson, Curator at The Design Museum, said: “Football is a hugely significant industry across the world and it employs a vast network of highly specialised professionals, with designers and architects playing an important role in shaping the development of the sport for over 150 years. Football: Designing the Beautiful Game shines a spotlight on the role that designers, architects and fans have played in the history of foot-
ball, from performances on the pitch to the atmosphere in the stands. It is the design story behind the world’s most popular sport” Andrew Henderson, five-time world champion freestyler, said: “I have travelled the world performing skills and tricks that nobody has ever seen before. However, as soon as I laced up those beaten-up old boots and I was passed the heavy leather football, I knew that I was in trouble. It’s amazing to think how legends of the game were able to perform to such a high standard with that equipment. It was incredible to find out first-hand how much design and technology has developed the sport of football and give modern-day greats the perfect platform to show what they can do on the biggest stage of them all.” ___________________________________________ Superfan Season Ticket Supercharge your experience with free unlimited access to Football: Designing the Beautiful Game for you, a guest and up to 3 children (6-15 years old). Become a Superfan Season Ticket holder for £45 and enjoy benefits including a 10% discount on Football related events and shop range until 29 August 2022. designmuseum.org/superfan Become a member Enjoy a year of free unlimited access to all exhibitions for you and a guest and up to to 3 children (6-15 years old), priority booking to our programme of events, and a 20% discount at the shop and café. Join the annual Membership Plus for £75 (or £65 via direct debit), and Student Membership is available for £45. Football: Designing the Beautiful Game tickets are on sale now: designmuseum.org/designingfootball Adult tickets are available from £16.50 while children’s tickets can be purchased from £8.25. The full range of ticket prices including concessions can be found here designmuseum.org/designingfootball
Design Museum Hightlights to Come in 2022 The World of ASMR Have you ever heard a sound that has brought you a sense of calm? Or even made your skin tingle? Millions around the world are part of an online community who experience ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response): a physical sensation of euphoria or deep calm, sometimes a tingling in the body, triggered through sound, touch, and movement. Step into an acoustically tuned environment and understand how people are using new and existing tools and materials to navigate our complex world. Explore the emerging field of creativity that has grown up around this feeling and the work of designers and content creators who try to trigger it in their viewers. The exhibition is curated in collaboration with ArkDes, the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design, where it was first shown in Stockholm in 2020. Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design 1924 – Today One of the most influential art movements of the twentieth century, Surrealism subverted, combined and reinvented everyday objects to create dreamlike imagery. The exhibition will examine the previously unexplored influence that Surrealism has had on design over the past 100 years, from furniture and interiors to graphic design, fashion and photography. It brings together classic works of art and design as well contemporary responses from around the globe. The exhibition will include works by Gae Aulenti, BLESS, Achille Castiglioni, Giorgio de Chirico, Le Corbusier, Salvador Dalí, Dunne & Raby, Max Ernst, Ray Eames, Front, Shiro Kuramata, Carlo Mollino, Isamu Noguchi, Man Ray and many others. A Vitra Design Museum Exhibition: Bethany Williams From garments made from recycled book waste to collaborations with community projects, this London-based designer is building a practice that seeks to avoid the usual contradictions of fashion. Her work tackles social and environmental issues, and this display also includes her collaboration as part of the Emergency Designer Network to create PPE during the pandemic. Yinka Ilori London-based artist/designer Yinka Ilori enlivens the public realm with installations and murals in a playful combination of colour and pattern. This display will bring to the museum his distinctive aesthetic, inspired by the African fabrics of his childhood and capturing the colourful geometric patterns that feature in Nigerian design, with a nod to British postmodernism. Find out more at designmuseum.org
Windowology
New Architectural Views from Japan
Over the past few years, with many people spending more time at home, we have all begun to better appreciate a simple yet critical aspect of our home world – windows. Having a window in our home offices, a place we now spend much of our time, has become essential to our wellbeing. In Japan, windows are part of a long architectural tradition that affects people’s lives in transformative ways. Japan House London, located on High Street Kensington, is currently hosting Windowology: New Architectural Views from Japan, an exhibition exploring the significance of windows. Running until 10 April 2022 and produced by the Window Research Institute under the direction of architectural historian and critic Igarashi Taro, this free exhibition examines how windows influence our views on the environment, their impact on contemporary urban living, and the critical role they play in fields such as craftsmanship, design, architecture, and print literature. Inside the Japan House London Gallery, visitors are able to explore everything from manga strips from the popular series Sazae-san to architectural photography of Tokyo’s backstreets by Jérémie Souteyrat. The highlight of the exhibition is a full sized reproduction of an architectural model of Yōsuitei, a Japanese teahouse, which was originally constructed in Kyoto in
the 17th century. The teahouse has 13 windows despite its small size, and visitors are able to walk through its low doors and explore it from within. Further sections of the exhibition look at the many ways windows are employed in the world of craft to create, for example, washi (Japanese paper) in Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, ceramics from Mashiko in Tochigi Prefecture or indigo dyeing in Yakumo in Shimane Prefecture. Visitors can learn more about how the production of sea salt in Okinawa and dried persimmon in Shimane Prefecture are dependent on the introduction of light and air using windows. An exhibition-inspired cocktail is also available for visitors to enjoy at AKIRA Restaurant on the first floor of Japan House London. A combination of dried persimmon, Hibiki whisky, chocolate bitters and soda garnished with a sea salt rim, the result is a highball-style drink, reminiscent of the heydays of the manga series Sazae-san featured in the exhibition, which ran between the 1940s and the 1970s.
www.japanhouselondon.uk
Collecting Contemporary Art There is a misunderstanding as to how the contemporary art world works, about where the best art can be found. There are in fact several art worlds - all related and interlinked, but offering surprisingly different art. One world we are familiar with involves the outrageous headlines and prices of recent auction results, but these are as relevant to most of us as the sale of Hollywood mansions.
contemporary. It is derivative, aping aesthetics, processes or techniques from decades past. Real contemporary art involves an ongoing discussion that is related to and reflective of contemporary culture. It engages the world around us and how we see it - helping us to see things afresh. To paraphrase the American artist Jasper Johns, it clashes two flinty ideas together, causing a spark, and then seeing becomes thinking.
If you look behind these headlines you find a great deal of affordable and enriching contemporary art, but there is also such an enormous volume of mediocre art that anybody who doesn’t spend a lot of time looking can be easily confused. For those with the time to look, or the inclination to be guided, then underneath the world of Instagram mediocrity and high street decoration lies a world of thoughtful contemporary art which is both affordable and enlightening.
If the work in an office is what might have been contemporary decades ago, then the benefits of seeing that work will be less. Contemporary art is not ‘art that is made now’ – it is art made now that understands its place in history and addresses the world around it.
London is one of the best places in the world to begin this search, with a lot of galleries that show progressive art. In Kensington & Chelsea there are credible artists shown by the likes of Unit 1 Gallery near Latimer Road and Alex Vardaxoglou Gallery and Taymour Grahne in Holland Park, but there are many other galleries that show art which will drain your account but has no critical merit. In this art world the galleries are not interested in, or validated by, critics and museums. They cater for wealthy customers with walls to fill and the work they sell is more luxury good than fine art. They’re not interested in quality, only sales. Of course, resale value is not all that makes a work valuable, but outside the persuasive atmosphere of these galleries, the work is worth very little in every sense. The experience begins and ends with the purchase. An artwork is a substantial cost and lives with you and on your wall for years. It is a very particular kind of cultural, emotional and public investment and you don’t need to pay thousands for derivative decoration when you can take some time to learn or be guided to work that will reward in all sorts of ways. There are many artists working away in studios around the UK, who are underrepresented, but whose long-term prospects are incredibly exciting.
This must also be felt at home. Living with searching and experimental art broadens your thinking and understanding - it encourages thought and conversation. With an open mind and good guidance, the rewards of collecting are enormous. For no more than you would spend on a sofa, you can begin to build an intelligent collection that you can leave to your children. Over coming months, I hope to guide you through those first steps.
By Greg Rook www.gregrookadvisory.com Images: Clockwise from the top: Grace Metzler at Taymour Grahne Projects Tim Stoner, Uprooted at Alex Vardaxoglou Gallery. The Contemporary British Painting Prize, Unit 1 Gallery Workshop, January 2022 (Image Courtesy Unit 1 Gallery Workshop).
Supporting and collecting these artists, those who are brilliant, but shown in obscure places or not at all, is really worthwhile. Firstly, they are inevitably not wealthy and each sale enables them to make more work - this kind of patronage and support has a long and venerable history and is mutually and socially beneficial. You’re not just giving money to impoverished artists, you are buying the best available work from artists who are yet to gain recognition, and helping support them at the same time. Secondly, each time you buy their work and so enable them to make more work, you are increasing their profile, thereby causing the very thing that both you and they want. Artworks and artists partly gain their credibility through the collections they’re held in and the exhibitions that they are part of. It improves their provenance. If you wish to raise the profile of an artist that you are invested in, then enabling them to create more work and show in more exhibitions is invaluable. Thirdly, there has been a considerable amount of research suggesting that art in the workplace increases creativity and productivity, but what is particularly interesting is how the kind of work displayed effects the conversations that are fostered. A lot of art that finds its way into work environments is not truly
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Randox Health OWN YOUR HEALTH - EXTEND YOUR LIFE Each of our personalised, private health packages aim to identify the earliest signs of illness in many cases before symptoms arise, empowering individuals to take action to prevent or delay disease onset and live healthier for longer. We uniquely take a whole-body approach to health. Using Randox patented technology we screen for hundreds of sensitive disease markers to deliver the most advanced health experience and provide informative insights to help protect your future health. Chloe Duffy, senior Randox Health clinic manager, said: “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a dramatic change in people’s behaviours towards looking after themselves as they seek to understand their own health and wellbeing better. At Randox Health, we provide a range of specialised tests that enable you to take full control of your health by promoting preventative healthcare. “When you look as closely at the body as we do, we see more, know more and can therefore do more to help you understand exactly what is going on. That means your results deliver a more complete understanding of your health: your heart, kidneys, thyroid, liver, bones and more. Clients are then empowered to take control and make positive changes to stay healthier for longer.” A full body health check Our popular Everyman | Everywoman health programme involves two appointments at the clinic - both six months apart for progress tracking - and up to 150 diagnostic markers can be tested during each session. Key health areas such as the heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, hormones, nutrition and iron status will be targeted, and a user-friendly results report will be posted within two to four working days. The 12-month programme, combining advanced diagnostic tests with expert help and advice, is now being offered for a newly reduced price of £295 and aims to provide more detail about your current health status, help identify any risks that could impact you in the future, and offer guidance on how to enhance your health and wellbeing moving forward with some positive changes.
With many admitting that they just don’t feel right post COVID, suffering fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, difficulty sleeping and mood changes. When asked how you are, it’s often difficult to explain that although COVID-19 is gone, you just don’t feel the same. We can’t change the fact you have had COVID-19, but a Randox Health Long Covid health check will keep you well informed of vital areas within the body. This ‘How Are You’ assessment provides a review of your current health status, examining specific biomarkers linked to areas such as heart health, kidney health, thyroid health, and tissue damage, as well as gaining an understanding of your current overall health. Why you should invest in your health Diagnostic testing is the key to understanding our physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you want to understand a specific health concern better, or learn more about your current health status, Randox Health is for you. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimate that at least 80% of all heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes could be prevented and that up to 50% of all cancers are preventable. Your health matters, so take this opportunity to get a detailed picture of your current health and identify early risk factors that could impact you in the future. In addition to the health tests mentioned we also offer smaller packages for specific health concerns including male hormones, female hormones, nutritional health, and genetic tests for risk of hereditary cancers, hereditary cardiac conditions, coeliac disease, lactose intolerance & genetic haemochromatosis. With state-of-the-art clinics conveniently located in Chelsea, Chiswick, Fulham and St Pauls it’s never been easier to take control of your health. Start your journey with Randox Health today by visiting randoxhealth.com.
Sexual health screening with same day results Anyone with mild or no symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STI) can keep a check on their sexual health with discreet testing at a Randox Health clinic. For just £95, you can test for 10 common infections including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex I, Herpes Simplex II, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urelyticum and Chancroid. The service promotes regular screening, which can help to detect an infection at the early stages and, in turn, reduce risks of further complications. A test report will be provided via email breaking down the results, which are received on the same day, along with what they mean and next steps. Long Covid Health Assessment We all know someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
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LOVEDAY Kensington This Spring, a tremendously special and beautiful new building opened its doors in the heart of the Royal Borough, purpose-built to enhance the lives of a particularly demanding, yet equally deserving clientele. Our worthy Mayor, Councillor Gerard Hargreaves, cut the ribbon, and a ground-breaking and truly extraordinary establishment was at last able to start providing its invaluable service. Loveday & Co, the dedicated operator of specialist memory care in the U.K, provides residential home care, respite and day club environments, all thoughtfully designed to meet the ever-changing needs of dementia sufferers, their carers and loved ones. Those who have previously enjoyed a high standard of living in attractive surroundings, expecting and appreciating the best in everything from fine dining to cultural stimulation, social events to spa treatments, are not going to be required to compromise those high standards here. Whether your stay at Loveday Kensington lasts a matter of years, days, or merely hours, your individual needs will be warmly met by the loyal team of expertly-trained smiling staff, and your experience there will be the very best that they can make it. Having reputedly been established in 1685, Number 2 Kensington Square is London’s oldest garden square, and undoubtedly one of its loveliest. This latest addition to an outstanding architectural corner of our borough is reached discreetly by way of a Grade II listed archway. Once inside, you are met by a sloping, meandering, naturally wheelchair-friendly path, leading you down to the large glass doors of the welcoming entrance. On every side your senses are soothed by the trickle and gurgle of a water-feature, the rustle and scent of carefully chosen planting, and pleasant and unthreatening statuary. Inviting seating here and there encourages residents and visitors to refresh their spirits in the open air. First impressions are always important, and never more so than when it is crucial that a visitor with any level of dementia feels relaxed enough to be happy and willing to enter. Everything you have already seen prepares you gently to be even more pleasantly surprised by the cosy and good-looking interior, painted and upholstered in calming colour-combinations, with well-stocked bookshelves, fresh flowers and a flickering fire. On my visit, Alina, the Director, made me a delicious flat white coffee, and I could have gladly curled up indefinitely with one of the magazines or newspapers on offer – but there was so much more to see. It goes without saying in these testing times that their precautions against any of their vulnerable members catching Covid are fuss-free but thorough, with state-of-the-art testing equipment on the premises to facilitate this. Innovative technology is key to providing unobtrusive ways of making sure that everybody is safe. Sensors detecting movement can trigger soft lighting to guide you at night-time, and throughout the building the lighting changes subtly through dawn to dusk, so that even spaces without natural light are attuned to reality. There are countless inspired ideas which have been developed to help people with dementia deal with everyday struggles in a positive way. But to those of us fortunate enough to have only a very basic grasp of the particular problems being addressed, the overall impression of Loveday is simply one of comfort, even luxury.
There are 40 beautifully appointed private suites, a gorgeous 80-cover restaurant and bar, a lovely library area and cinema room, not to mention the spa and wellness areas, exercise and recovery rooms or the beauty and hairdressing salons. There is an abundance of natural light, with windows and glimpses of greenery galore, and many of the suites have their own private outdoor spaces. The crowning glory is the roof-top terrace café, which overlooks the garden square, a delightful space for socialising and relaxation. A special activities and games room accommodates all kinds of guided sessions, art and poetry proving particularly popular, even with people who didn’t think they’d like it! There are also regular discussions of the news of the day, and politics in general, which research has found to be incredibly helpful in keeping the mind active and focussed. The many planted areas provide opportunities for therapeutic gardening. But there are plenty of places simply designed for sitting and watching what everyone else is up to, without feeling compelled to join in if you are not in the mood. Nothing has been left to chance, and everything has already been tried and tested with great success at the original Loveday centre on the King’s Road. It proved so popular that two more are being created, in Notting Hill and Abbey Road. There is no danger that expansion will result in a drop in their Ritz-like standards… the highly-qualified teams have a very low staff turnover, and really do feel like family. Everyone involved takes pride in offering this much-needed service, which truly goes ‘above and beyond’ normal expectations. They will be more than happy to go into more detail, tell you more and show you around, should you be looking into the kind of five-star experience they have developed, for a member of your own family. I wished I could have stayed for lunch in the charming dining room – it was beginning to smell very appetising just as I was leaving. Contact: Ellie Gould, Senior Membership and Community Manager +44 2045792914 info@lovedayandco.com 32a, Thurloe Place, London SW7 2HQ Susan Saunders
Knightsbridge Hotel Firmdale Hotels are a collection of eight hotels situated in London (and the other two in New York too) which aim to provide boutique luxury to the discerning patron. Founded in 1995 by the husband and wife team of Kit and Tim Kemp, the hotels have a reputation of being premium hotels delivering high-end sophistication whilst also delivering a uniquely satisfying homeliness. The Knighstbridge Hotel is no exception to that winning philosophy. The location is immaculate just as with all the of Firmdale’s offerings but Beaufort Gardens might just be the best address of them all. Right around the corner from Harrod’s and down the street from Duke of York Square, guests can skip over to the Saatchi Gallery or waltz over to Harvey Nichols whilst shopping for edible wonders in Partridges and having lunch or dinner at Bluebird Café. Moreover, though these great shops and cafes of Kings Road, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge are all accessible by foot, it is absolutely brilliant that the property itself is located on a beautiful quiet street seemingly far away from the heaving masses of the neighbouring areas and streets. The discreet entrance to Knightsbridge Hotel is hidden amongst a row of beautiful white townhouses on a charming tree-lined street and the ethos of the project seems very clear as soon as you walk in. ‘Fresh, modern English style’ is how Kit Kemp likes to describe the philosophy behind the style and décor of Firmdale Hotels. There is a bold, updated Englishness to the colours and fabrics that dominate the rooms within the hotel. However, before you head to your bedroom, there is the comforting experience of the living space and kitchen so to speak which is the hotel’s lobby. The homely feeling is one of the most charming aspects of all Firmdale properties and this one doesn’t disappoint. Guests are welcomed into the Knightsbridge Hotel via the ‘Drawing Room’ complete with a library, a fireplace and an honesty bar which boasts a particularly fine house Champagne. British artists such as John Illsey and Peter Clark adorn the walls and there is also an eye-catching sculpture from Carol Sinclair. The forty four bedrooms and suites have all been personally designed by Kit with their own unique vision and design scheme so that no two rooms are the same. Her dedication to the Firmdale project is evident in her own toiletries brand, RikRak. The sweet, earthy smells of Kit’s creations are wonderfully complemented by the beautiful bathrooms within The Knightsbridge Hotel complete with solid granite and oak interiors and deep cast iron baths. All rooms have a bright, soft and colourful aura to them perhaps a subliminal attempt to incite a feeling of homeliness. It works!!! Did I even mention the wonderful service and care that is showered upon you at The Knightsbridge? The sense of hospitality is innate to The Firmdale family and this hotel continues that tradition majestically. It offers a luxurious experience in one of the most salubrious areas of London and above all, a comfortable home-away-from-home feeling something that keeps bringing the regulars back for more. Sid Raghava The Knightsbridge Hotel 10 Beaufort Gardens, London SW3 1PX TEL: 020 7584 6300
Conservatorium Hotel Luxury in Museumplein
The Dutch have always been an innovative lot. They pioneered European excursions to discover faraway lands, are the world’s foremost power in terms of water management and have the distinction of being the second biggest exporter of fruit and vegetables behind the USA, despite being 1/250th of the size. It is testament to the fact that, despite being a very small country - and one of the most densely populated at that - the Dutch are a productive bunch at the forefront of technology, agriculture, shipping and architecture. However, despite all of their hard work and ingenuity, living space is at a premium especially in the capital city of Amsterdam. Pre-pandemic, the country used to welcome 20 million tourists mostly to their enchanting capital city and hotels have always tended to offer cramped rooms for sky-high prices. However, the Dutch are also at the forefront of architecture and know how to make the most out of available spaces. The Conservatorium hotel is a prime example in that regard. Although the building was originally designed by the Dutch architect Daniel Knuttel as the Rijkspostspaarbank and sparked the regeneration of the Museum Quarter at the end of the 19th century, the reimagination of this luxurious hotel was commandeered by awardwinning Piero Lissoni from Milan. The ‘Dutch touch’ is evident throughout the inner and outer lines and ambiences and it’s a sheer joy to the senses. The most interesting thing about the lavish outlay that is the Conservatorium is the fact that it is located right in the middle of Museum Square District, the cultural heartbeat of Amsterdam surrounded by four magnificent landmarks - Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark and Concertgebouw. Despite the geographical constraints, it manages to be a capacious building with beautifully detailed art nouveau interiors encased in a resplendent light and glass exterior resulting in a majestically tall and roomy lobby that seems to be touching a vast heaving Amsterdam sky. Its lovely visage aside, the hotel is home to some rather brilliant restaurants and bars, the gorgeously uplifting Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Spa and some rather fabulous rooms and suites, all of which combine to make the Conservatorium an easy contender for the best luxurious hotel in Amsterdam. Museumplein is the heart and soul of Amsterdam and Conservatorium’s quality offerings are commensurate with a city that is a magnet for tourists worldwide, many of whom value luxury and comfort. Grace and elegance are the footnotes to all of the luxurious underpinnings in this building. The shops inhabiting the space on street level are exquisite and the Brasserie is an ideal place for all day dining. Taiko, Schilo van Coevorden’s leading award-winning Asianinspired eatery and one of the finest hotel restaurants in Amsterdam complements Taiko Bar which boasts some of Amsterdam’s best bartenders and a compendious cocktail menu that derives inspiration from Bangkok, Tokyo and Shanghai. The Akasha Holistic Wellbeing is an oasis housing a beautiful 18 foot swimming pool and all the treatments and facilities that you’d expect from a world class spa. And then there are the rooms where clean, elegant lines dominate alongside a Japanese/ Scandinavian minimalist feel to the rooms. Some of the split-level suites are extraordinarily charming and there are plenty of bits to keep you warm, snug and pampered including some rather comfortable beds and spa-quality bathrooms. On the website, Conservatorium boldly and rightly proclaims itself as ‘Amsterdam’s Living Room’. It is a very accurate statement considering the wondrous splendour that underpins the hotel’s various offerings. The aforementioned lobby-lounge is something that is equally enchanting when one enters the property or when it is viewed from the top floor looking down. If Amsterdam beckons for whatever reason, the Conservatorium is the ideal luxury destination. The Hotel is looking forward to the return of the Floraide expo in The Netherlands. It only comes around once every ten years, so it’s a huge moment for the entire country. Conservatorium, being based at the heart of the city, is the perfect base for anyone with tickets! https://floriade.com
Fact Box Conservatorium Hotel Van Baerlestraat 27, Amsterdam 1071, Netherlands. conservatoriumhotel.com Conservatorium’s Ongoing Spring Offer Let It Bloom Starting at €750 per night Available for stays 24th March – 15th May, 2022 Two nights in a guest room or suite (in a Deluxe Guest Room to Residence Suite) Welcome bouquet of tulips in-room Keukenhof tickets Breakfast in the Brasserie Access to the spa and fitness area of Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Minimum two-night stay. Blackout dates may apply.
The Midland Manchester’s Most Iconic Hotel The Midland Hotel in Manchester has been a much-loved part of the magnificent city’s life for over 118 years. Step into its timeless elegance and experience award-winning restaurants and an idyllic urban spa. It’s played host to Kings, Queens, Presidents, Prime Ministers and rock stars since it opened in 1903, and has also counted Sir Winston Churchill as one of its regulars; there are many stories still told about this indomitable former Prime Minister’s rather impressive appetite. It was possibly also the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous luxury brands: Charles Rolls and Henry Royce were introduced at The Midland Hotel in 1904, and went on to launch their prestige car business together, building the very first Rolls Royce in the city. The Midland is ideally located on Peter Street in the centre of Manchester - just a short walk away from Bridgewater Hall, the Palace Theatre and Manchester Central Exhibition and Conference Centre. It’s half a mile from Manchester PIccadilly, set beside St Peter’s Square, just 10 minutes’ brisk walk to the city’s shops and bars, and a 5 minute walk to Manchester Oxford Road. The hotel has recently enjoyed a £14m investment which has enabled it to transform its bedrooms and ground floor - so not only is it a distinctive and beautiful building from the outside, but also wonderfully elegant and stylish as you enter. High ceilings; gorgeous artwork; trees; chrome and accents of black, silver and white all combine to give a luxurious Art Deco feel. The champagne bar area is a lively place to sip and be seen by the fashionable set in the evenings, and a pleasing place to relax and read during the day. There are 312 relaxing rooms or luxury suites, where you can unwind in ultimate comfort and style. The décor is neutral, with warm creams and stone tones contrasting with darker wood accents. Our Superior room came with a seating area and high windows, with views across to the church, plus all the mod cons you would expect from a hotel of this class. For an even more special stay, do choose one of the suites. With larger lounge and bedroom areas, they have all the comfort you’d expect, as well as all the space you need, plus stunning skyline views in select bedrooms, seating areas and larger bathrooms, complimentary newspapers and ESPA spa toiletries and a crisp white bathrobe and slippers, which come in handy for visiting the spa. You don’t need to leave the hotel to dine as it has excellent culinary experiences in house and is, in fact, home to two award-winning restaurants and Manchester’s favourite tearoom. Mount Street Dining Room and Bar brings together Northern hospitality and contemporary design, with a focus on sourcing great local ingredients and providing elevated home dining in luxe Art Deco surroundings. It’s a place for any occasion, from a celebratory three-course meal; a sumptuous Sunday dinner; some cocktails over a bite with friends, or an excellent buffet-style breakfast each morning. Dinner at Adam Reid at The French - proud holder of 4 AA Rosettes and named one of the top 15 restaurants in the UK - is another treat, with the menu is changed daily, and each dish incorporating fresh, locally sourced produce of the highest quality. This is a wonderful hotel for an indulgent afternoon tea, and has been a mainstay of the Manchester social scene ever since the hotel opened in 1903. As the city’s only setting specifically designed for, and dedicated to, afternoon tea - which is served in opulent surroundings overlooking St Peter’s Square - The Tea Room at The Midland is truly one of a kind. There’s also the Midland Lounge: serving classic cocktails into the night, you can here enjoy everything from sharing platters to bar snacks with a glass or two of champagne. Eating and relaxing aside, you must experience the excellent Rena Spa. A World Luxury Spa Award Winner, it’s the perfect place to escape. It features sleep chambers, a heated relaxation pool and steam rooms and a host of top class treatments. Over all, a super city centre hotel with excellent rooms, dining and spa experiences and perfect location. To book and for more information visit www.themidlandhotel.co.uk
Burleigh Court Hotel Sustainable Luxury in the Cotswolds
Burleigh Court: Sustainability in the Cotswolds It may sound cliché, but approaching the Burleigh Court Hotel feels just a little bit like revisiting a slower time. I was initially struck by the ivy coated stonework and Georgian architecture on the final leg of our drive, which was a far cry from the city views as we left London to head to the Cotswolds for two nights of relaxation. The illusion of having been transported to a more leisurely era continues into the manor home itself, where every detail is imbued with a sense of simple, yet indulgent luxury. Stepping over the threshold, I felt the rush of the city fall away. Our room, “The Foxglove,” was outfitted with a balance of decadence and simplicity that both charmed, and impressed. As a room in their romantic category, it’s finished off with a whirlpool bath and lavish four-poster bed that tempted me to spend our stay happily tucked away in our suite with a book.
foraging tour, being a complete novice to England’s edible plants. But Emanuelle’s approach to teaching starts with the basics, and her expertise is so far reaching that she has an impeccable ability to explain how to identify what is edible (and what is not) even if you go in with no base knowledge. As we explored the Burleigh Court grounds (and beyond) we nibbled on fresh bronze fennel, discussed the best means of foraging stinging nettles without being stung, and learned to identify edible plants in the mint family, with our questions being expertly answered along the way. Ever since, I’ve found myself identifying edibles quietly to myself even in my own garden, with an unfamiliar craving for stinging nettle tea.
However, far more tempting, was the view from the patio. The recently updated manor home is perched on a hillside overlooking the Golden valley, near Stroud. They’ve taken full advantage of the picturesque view, so the absolute first thing we did after unpacking was settle onto the patio to take it all in, and enjoy some cheeky post-travel cocktails. This became a habit during our time as guests of the manor - after breakfast, we’d stroll out with the remainder of our morning coffee and watch the Burleigh Court bees buzz from their hives to daffodils and violet blossoms. In the evening, we’d sit by lovely cedar wood fires and watch the lights in the idyllic valley glowing up at us.
What Emanuelle teaches, she also practices in the Burleigh Court garden - and that mentality of sustainability extends to the kitchen of the Oak Room Restaurant as well. The restaurant itself is currently targeting three AA Rosette status, and features a menu that is not only prepared with local ingredients, but provides a modern approach to traditional Cotswold cuisine. The artistry of each course is obvious, even to the untrained eye. I don’t just mean visually (though each plate we received, from my cashew pâté starter to my partner’s honey glazed duck breast main course, was indeed a work of art), I mean in the careful and intentional pairing of sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu rotates with the seasonal availability of ingredients, and as summer approaches even more of Burleigh Court’s own garden produce will be woven into their dishes.
The true crown jewel of experiencing Burleigh Court though, is the food - but not just the decadent meals served in the Oak Room Restaurant. One of the more unique activities that Burleigh Court has to offer is guided foraging tours led by Kitchen Gardener and Foraging Expert Emanuelle. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect going into a
Alongside their traditional afternoon tea and dinner menus, in 2021 Burleigh Court added wine tastings to their schedule of events. On our final evening, after spending my afternoon reading and soaking in that whirlpool bath I mentioned, we made our way downstairs for one such event. We began outside, and sipped a crisp Italian bubbly paired with
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delicate canapés, while watching the sun descend over the valley accompanied by the sweeping calls of evening birdsong. When the last light faded, we moved into the warmth of the dining room for our remaining paired courses and wines. The wine selections we enjoyed were not only expertly paired, but were also selected from vineyards that use organic, biodynamic growing practices. Even in their wine menu, the Burleigh Court Hotel champions their devotion to sustainability. As our evening drew to a close, I found myself struggling to remember that I was, in fact, at an event, in a hotel. Other attendees’ laughter resounded in the intimate space, and our sommelier for the evening shared the details of our wine pairings as if chatting with a room of his closest friends. It was in those small moments that it became clear what makes a stay at the Burleigh Court Hotel so unforgettable: during your stay, you’re not regarded as a traveler, escaping for an evening or two. You’re regarded, truly, as a guest of the manor. Hotel rates for 2022 start from £139 for a classic room and £209 for the Romantic Room category. They offer rooms in five categories: Classic, Cosy, Superior, Noteworthy, and Romantic. The Wild Foodie Foraging Experience is priced from £69 per person; £138 per couple, and includes a three-hour Foraging Walk followed by a two-course lunch. www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk/wild-food-foraging Website: www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk. By Gabrielle Scarlett
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Idyllic Country Escape During our recent stay at luxurious country house hotel Burleigh Court in Gloucestershire, we sat down to talk with owner Corinna Rae about her efforts to transform the 200-year-old 18-room Grade II listed manor into a stylish home-away-from-home that boasts hidden gardens and breathtaking Golden Valley views. Hailing from outside the hospitality industry, Corinna and her husband James left their London life behind and bought boutique hideaway Burleigh Court in spring 2019. Ever since they’ve been busy passionately renovating it into a chic, award-winning, family-run hotel and restaurant. Guests from near and far share rave reviews about this little slice of heaven located amidst the rolling Cotswold hills near Minchinhampton Common. Corinna, you’ve created an idyllic country escape. Can you tell us about Burleigh Court’s latest developments? Burleigh Court was inspired as a country house hotel by Japanese noblemen in the 1800’s. Since we purchased the hotel three years ago, we’ve been gradually renovating to bring it up-to-date. Most recently, we closed our doors throughout January and updated five guest rooms, as well as expanding our 2 AA Rosette Oak Room restaurant to accommodate more guests per service. We want to offer guests a relaxed and welcoming base from which to explore a lesser-known corner of the Cotswolds. We’re in an area of outstanding natural beauty with picturesque villages, plus unique market and spa towns on our doorstep. Following The Oak Room’s reopening, what can guests dining with you expect? Led by Head Chef Shaun Jones, The Oak Room’s brand promise is to offer ‘consistently good, locally-sourced food with a view’. The main dining room overlooks the Golden Valley and we put strong emphasis on serving sustainably sourced, uncomplicated, flavoursome, and seasonal ‘Best of British’ food cooked from scratch by local hands. We’re known for our romantic dining and strive to serve great quality food at a fair price. Much of our produce comes from local suppliers within a 35-mile radius, and our Kitchen Gardener, Emanuelle, grows an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs in our grounds, while also foraging supplies from the surrounding country lanes and hedgerows. We’ve recently received a ‘AA Hotel Services - Breakfast Award 2022’ and our Burleigh bees make own-brand honey. Pre-bookable afternoon teas are available from £22. After Easter, we’ll restart our cosy, alfresco fireside dining, serving stone-baked pizzas and Cotswolds Teppanyaki on our back terrace. Looking ahead, what’s next for The Oak Room? We’ll incorporate even more seasonal local produce into our menus and we’re targeting 3 AA Rosette status. We want to raise the restaurant’s profile, particularly among the local community, as we offer something that’s quite unique in our area of the Cotswolds. You’ll see us run more regular food and wine tasting events, plus music and dinner nights, while also working to target the ‘special occasion’ market for anniversaries, birthdays, and family events - all as part of our goal to attract a returning clientele of upscale leisure and business travellers seeking a relaxed country retreat. In addition to expanding our commitment to serving home-grown and low food mile produce, we’re decreasing our carbon footprint by reducing wine supplies from non-European producers in favour of smaller, boutique producers, to include organic, biodynamic, and vegan wines. Chef Jones is incorporating game into our seasonal menus to serve more sustainable meat, and we also source American crayfish from a Cotswolds fisherman. This invasive species is decimating the indigenous variety - so, by serving its predator, we’re giving the local fish a chance to thrive. We also recycle all vegetable oil used.
walk and two-course lunch. Emanuelle teaches participants how to safely identify edible species and turn their foraged bounty into scrumptious drinks and meals. Guests will learn about seasonal eating; the nutritional values and medicinal use of plants, species and habitat conservation, and receive guidance on what to take from nature, what to leave, and how to store wild food. It’s a chance to sample local seasonal edibles like lime tree leaves. We’re also going to launch a ‘Learn to Kitchen Garden’ course later this year. How much does a stay cost, and where can we find out more about Burleigh Court? We have five room categories (Classic, Cosy, Superior, Noteworthy, and Romantic). A B&B stay is priced from £139 per night. Book a stay with us by calling 01453 883 804, or visit www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk. Images Credit : Beth Higham
You offer foraging experiences. What else are you developing? Our Wild Foodie Foraging Experience launched last year: priced from £69 per person/ £138 per couple, it incorporates a three-hour foraging
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Boringdon Hall Historic Countryside Spa & Gastronomy Gem If you’re thinking of a romantic weekend escape from the city, Boringdon Hall Hotel is a super choice. A stone’s throw from bustling Plymouth, and close to the delights of the Devon coast and Dartmoor, this historic retreat is perfectly positioned for long walks, pub lunches and a spot of shopping, too. The Grade 1 listed 16th Century castle has a long and Royal history, having been owned or frequented by Henry VIII, Lady Jane Grey, Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh – to name just a few. Viewed as you enter the long driveway, it has the appearance of a small and rather quaint castle; when we arrived, the scene was set perfectly, as there happened to be a falconry demonstration with majestic birds of prey – very much as they would have used back in the 16th century. This was a sport that the most famous of Henry VIII’s wive’s, Anne Boleyn, was reported to be particularly fond of; the unfortunate Queen even had a falcon as her emblem. Step inside and you are instantly transported back to Tudor time, too, complete with huge oak doors, flooring and heraldic shields. Enter the lounge and bar and you’ll find a high, oaked ceiling hall; a gallery, and an enormous fire place. Imposing and grand though it is, it still manages to feel cosy and welcoming. Room-wise, there is a choice of elegantly-appointed suites. For particularly special occasions, opt for The Royal Suite, which is quite possibly the only place in the UK where you can sit beneath the stars sipping champagne in a heated outdoor Jacuzzi, positioned within the original turret of an Elizabethan manor house. Set over three levels, the Royal Suite includes a lounge, intimate private dining area, secluded terrace with heated Jacuzzi and an exceptional bedroom space. With Boringdon Hall’s royal heritage is reflected throughout, the elegant Royal Suite is fully equipped with every desirable mod con, as well as many unforgettable extras. We loved the Saltram Suite, which was the five-star hideaway for our stay. It has a cool, contemporary and welcoming vibe and, situated on the fourth floor of the main house, this rich-in-historic-charm suite boasts a super king sized bed, double ended bath with glorious garden views and a relaxing lounge area: in short, a stunning space, perfectly suited to a weekend break or a few days away. The bathroom is similarly spacious: bright and airy with a huge walk through shower. We enjoyed a wonderful night’s sleep under the stars, which we could see through the window in the ceiling. Accommodation comforts aside, Boringdon excels as a place to dine – and spa. The first is a revelation. Overlooking the Great Hall, you’ll find the intimate and sophisticatedly romantic Àclèaf; a space to gather around the table and taste exquisite menus created by Head Chef Scott Paton. It really is a showcase of inventive British fare, using only the finest locally sourced ingredients. We couldn’t speak highly enough of the fantastic, seasonally-led, signature four-course menu, paired with wine flights perfectly matched to each individual dish. Since our visit, Àclèaf is now a AA 4 Rosette restaurant and features in the MICHELIN Guide 2022. The spa, with its lovely countryside outlook and large pool, is the perfect place to while away the hours and restore, relax and re-set. Currently Boringdon Hall has a Springtime Spa Break offer which comprises two nights’ accommodation; full breakfast in the Mayflower Brasserie or brunch in the Spatisserie; a 40-minute Gaia Spa treatment; indulgent Afternoon Tea; complimentary access to Gaia Spa facilities during your stay, and 10% off any additional treatments booked (pre-booking essential). This is available now and until 31st May 2022. For further information visit Boringdon Hall Hotel www.boringdonhall.co.uk
Hotel
The Europa Hotel, Belfast In 1971, the Europa Hotel was opened on the site of the former Great Northern Railway Station in Belfast. Now famous as the most bombed hotel in the world (33 times during the Troubles), the Europa is a central part of the peace story of Northern Ireland and has since transformed into an iconic symbol of Belfast’s survival. During the Troubles themselves, its rooms, bars and lounges were thronged by journalists and broadcasters from around the world, checked in for months at a time to report these seminal events of history from within the city’s beating heart. The Europa’s famous hotel sign – recognisable from grainy news segments on TV at the time – can still be seen across the city, but now it stands proud, a fifty-yearold symbol of that deep-rooted Belfast spirit. Jump forward in time and, 50 years later, the Europa has hosted presidents and movie stars – from President Clinton, whose entourage took up 110 rooms during their visit in 1995, to Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Bob Dylan, Lionel Ritchie, Victoria Beckham, Elvis Costello and even His Holiness the Dalai Lama. But the biggest star remains Europa stalwart Martin Mulholland, Head Concierge and hotel employee for 35 years. And the regular visitors also fuel the Europa’s uniquely Belfast spirit – most weekends you will find a group, now in their 90s, who have been coming here for tea for so long they’ve been affectionately dubbed ‘Our ladies.’ Long gone are the ‘Penthouse Poppets,’ but there is still plenty of good reason to ensconce yourself here – whether for a long city break weekend or a (much) longer stay. The hotel has just completed an extensive renovation to include the guest rooms, which are functional yet peaceful and clever in design; I slept incredibly well in the huge bed, from which, with the remote-control blinds, I could stay happily tucked up to enjoy the stunning city views.
It seems that Belfast’s enduring spirit comes in large part from facing its history head on, building from it a new perspective that looks both forward and back in the same instance – with sensitivity and reverence but also hope. Looking to the more recent history, a Black Cab tour gives you the opportunity to see the political murals of the Falls and the Shankill, which tell their own graphic story of The Troubles. See the infamous Peaceline, a wall which was built to keep Nationalists and Loyalists apart and which in the process divided the communities. Still in place and in some places made even higher, the Peace Wall is a stark but important reminder of the city’s past. Our press trip took place on the launch weekend of Belfast, Kenneth Branagh’s seven Oscar-nominated film, which follows a young boy’s childhood at the beginning of The Troubles in 1969. Just as the movie shifts back and forward from colour to black and white, Belfast itself is layered with the nuances of past, present and future. Belfast is a city full of countless stories – but it is also one with some very exciting prospects. As part of the 50th birthday celebrations, the Europa Hotel has launched a ‘Golden Moments’ package from £115 per room which includes luxurious overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast, a signature cocktail in the Piano Lounge, signature truffles and exclusive golden Hastings rubber duck. For further information or to book, go to www.hastingshotels.com By Tani Burns
Pan out from the hotel itself – perfectly within walking distance of many central attractions – and the city really has so much to offer. For F&B, on the Europa’s doorstep you have everything from critically lauded restaurant James Street to the ‘Aladdin’s Cave of culinary delights,’ Sawers, which first opened in 1897 and supplied the Titanic with olives and cheese. If pubs are high on your list and you’re into your beer, head to The Deer’s Head, with its on-site craft brewery, beer tasting flights and excellent pies to soak it up. Its core range is named after old bars of the area, including North Star Lager, Black Bull Stout and the curiously titled Monkey Shaving the Goat IPA. For cocktails, The Jailhouse, situated in one of Belfast’s renowned ‘Entries,’ is a winner. Or, for something sweeter, Daisies – a tiny but incredible chocolate shop and café – has one of the best hot chocolates I’ve ever tasted…and I’ve tasted a lot! Previously called Co Couture, it’s also award-winning – earning a gold at the Academy of Chocolate Awards in the Best Flavoured Milk Chocolate Bar and bronze in the Best Flavoured Dark Chocolate Bar categories. Aside from feeding and watering, Belfast is full of cultural and historical riches. A visit to the Titanic Belfast is an absolute must. Located beside the Titanic Slipways, the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices and Hamilton Graving Dock – the very place where Titanic was designed, built and launched, Titanic Belfast tells the story of the ship from her conception, through her construction and launch, to her maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Part of Belfast’s Maritime Mile, the slipways are full of poignant symbolism, taking you back over 100 years to 1910, when construction began. Today, you can stand at the exact location of the Titanic’s bow and walk along a life size plan of her Promenade Deck, inlaid in white stone where the lifeboats were kept. On 2 April 1912, over 100,000 people lined Belfast Dock to cheer her off on her way to Southampton, ahead of her maiden voyage, across the Atlantic to New York, on 10 April 1912.
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A Love Letter to Cyprus There’s a reason why the Brits love Cyprus. At just four hours, the flight is long enough to feel exotic, and short enough to take advantage of the coastline and cuisine on a long weekend away. Favoured for its long, hot summers and fresh, crisp winters, Cyprus is a destination to explore in all seasons - and bringing a taste of understated luxe to the hotel scene is the new AMARA property in Limassol. It offers an impressive beachside setting, with the sandy Dasoudi Beach - complete with family-friendly, warm, shallow waves just footsteps away, and is a short drive from the town centre - so visitors can get the best of both worlds. Opened in June 2019, this sprawling coastal establishment offers a discreet bolthole that is ideal for gal pals and couples; or you may encounter a hip young family who have made themselves at home in one of the ten family suites. With a spotlight on traditional Cypriot heritage, the tastefully designed property has accents of Grecian glamour traditional architecture blend with the panoramic views and garden setting. Rather than being overly ostentatious, the vibe is comfortable and relaxed, complemented by David Rockwell coffee table books, designer kettles and sustainable toiletries which reflect superior lifestyle choices. Easy to reach from both Paphos and Larnaca airports, guests are welcomed into a vast marble lobby punctuated with a taster of the owner’s collection of modern artworks. As the heart of the hotel, the split level foyer branches off to the bar, lower floors and elevator to upper level bedrooms and suites, rooftop bar and tennis courts (racquets and lessons can be arranged in the Spa). The rooms themselves are a delight. Tastefully decorated in soothing hues, every detail from the coathangers, to the linen and bathrobes is top notch. Even the standard rooms have enormous beds, tubs and waterfall showers, and after a blissful sleep, you don’t even have to get out of bed to raise the smart blinds, which can be opened by a flick of a switch beside the bed. With an uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean Sea from each of the 207 rooms, you can enjoy a morning coffee or sundowner on your private terrace. If you’d like a little more space, the secluded Duplex Suites, which boast a private pool, sun loungers and dining area on the roof are a popular couples’ choice, whilst bigger groups or families are more suited to the Seafront Bungalows, which have two bedrooms and a pool. The three outdoor pools can be seen from your terrace, with a further heated pool in the impressive Spa, so you can be sure you can grab a waterside bed or cabana, or have plenty of space to do your pre- breakfast laps. Breakfast itself is an occasion and it is included with all rooms. Be hungry as you can choose from a huge selection of buffet items, or order from the chef at the cooking station; and don’t be afraid to inform the staff of any special dietary requirements as the staff are happy to assist. The decadent dining continues with gastronomy being a big plus for many guests. Enlisting some of the world’s top celebrity chefs, the AMARA is a foodie destination in its own right. World-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa (from the eponymous NOBU brand) has brought a unique Japanese-Peruvian culinary experience with an array of NOBU’s legendary
signature dishes to the hotel. The self-named restaurant Matsuhisa restaurant is designed by David Rockwell and provides a sophisticated backdrop for this beachfront context. You can enjoy a taste of Italy in Locatelli. Embodying the spirit of celebrity Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, the vibe is Mediterranean with a twist. Expect home-made pastas and deserts, great conversation and an extensive wine list which is served al fresco in the stunning surroundings next to the sand. If you’re in the mood for something a little more fishy, Michelin starred chef Giorgos Papaioannou has opened his first dedicated eatery in Cyprus, offering a fusion of seafood delights which transport guests on a gastronomic journey where no meal is ever the same. Traditional Cypriot dishes are also available, and guests looking for sharing plates and daily specials head to the Dining Room, which is lively throughout the day. To work off some of the outstanding food, you may be tempted by the ocean facing gym, or take up a session with a PT. Alternatively if you book a treatment at the Spa (the menu includes the signature Cyprus Ancient Ritual massage or Rose Diamond Facial), you can take advantage of the spa circuit inspired by Roman baths. You can dip in and out of steam capsules, colour therapy beds and the Banya Suite Experience, or you may prefer to enjoy the Spa’s lush grounds which are piqued with towering palms and age-old olive trees, and also house part of Limassol’s ancient city walls unearthed during the hotel’s construction. Being on holiday can be exhausting, so why not finish your day at the exclusive rooftop bar. With intimate seating, attentive service, divine cocktails and exquisite views of the ocean, it doesn’t get much more romantic than this. The Amara Hotel www.amarahotel.com Doubles start from 382 EUR per night (inc breakfast) By Sara Darling
SHANGRI-LA PARIS Kristie Smith takes a step inside the most elegant address in the capital, once home to one of France’s most notable aristocratic families The former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the grand nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, Shangri-La Paris is a nineteenth century French architectural chef-d’oeuvre nestled in the sought-after sixteenth arrondissement of Paris. Mere steps from the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees and Avenue Montaigne, the palatial hotel is considered to be the most elegant address in the capital. As I arrived, I stood in the former palace courtyard admiring the original ornate iron gates that adorn the entrance and the Louis XIV inspired façade. A softly spoken welcome whispered in my ear, “Bonjour, Madam”. At that moment, a rush of allure ran through me. I had arrived at none other than Shangri-La Paris. Bathed in natural light, the hotel entrance features high ceilings and refurbished marble from the Pyrenees, the Alps and Tuscany. Discreet nooks for discerning guests line the lobby. Imperial insignias and ornate monograms of Prince Roland Bonaparte can be subtly found throughout the hotel, complemented with Shangri-La’s unmistakable Asian influence to create a unique ambience found nowhere else in Paris. Today, the palace at 10 Avenue d’Iéna is an address for Paris’ chic and cultured set, just as it was more than a century ago when the prince first opened the doors of his residential palace to Parisian society. The history of the building and its cultural significance as the home of one of France’s most notable aristocratic families is at the core of Shangri-La’s first European hotel. Embodying the French art de vivre with subtle chinoiserie touches and decorated in shades of blue, white and ecru, all 100 of the rooms and suites are in keeping with both European Empire and Asian aesthetics while silk-thread wallpaper, textured wall panels and refined crystal hardware on custom-made furnishings give a nod to the former home of Bonaparte. Richard Martinet directed the architectural renovations while Pierre-Yves Rochon designed the interiors – at times inspired by “empire”, at times “luxury minimalist”, and at times a stunning mix of both. In every room, traditional full length French windows offer uninterrupted views of the Parisian skyline, including the Eiffel Tower and the Seine.
dishes, as well as the hotel’s renowned Afternoon Tea. The other of the two restaurants at Shangri-La Paris is the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in all of France. Executive Chef, Samuel Lee, and his brigade of four Hong Kong chefs assure Shang Palace’s authentic culinary style by serving only dishes inspired by Southeast China’s culinary traditions. Elsewhere in the hotel, Le Bar Botaniste honours the favourite pastime of the palace’s former resident. Celebrating botany through rare botanical spirits, innovative cocktail creations, authentic absinthe fountains, and plants under cloches in each corner, Le Bar Botaniste is both a place to see and be seen at Shangri-La Paris. From a seventeen metre swimming pool located in what was once the palace stables to the Grand Salon; the hotel has it all. Undoubtedly the palace’s foremost reception space – both during the prince’s era and today for Shangri-La Paris – the Grand Salon features an immense white marble fireplace decorated with bronze and a trumeaux mirror. Bonaparte family originals grace the room, including bronze wall appliques, two golden wood and marble tables and two crystal chandeliers. Architectural details specific to the Bonaparte family abound – including imperial crowns, symbols of bees and lion heads – are engraved and embellished in the architecture, initially designed as protective symbols for the palace’s guests. To stay at Shangri-La Paris is to stay at a national treasure of France. Travel from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord in as little as 2hrs 15mins. Tickets from £39 one-way, based on a return journey. Rooms from €1,000 per night at Shangri-La Paris on a bed and breakfast basis. www.eurostar.com / www.shangrilaparis.com www.shangri-la.com By Kristie Smith
As I entered our room on the fifth floor, the very first thing I did was walk towards the nearest window and swing it open. I had never witnessed such a view of the Eiffel Tower. It is as if it were placed there to solely serve the guests of Shangri-La Paris. Situated on the second floor on the Avenue d’Iéna side of the Palace, the hotel’s largest suite is located in the former private apartment of Prince Roland Bonaparte. A jewel in the hotel’s crown, L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte is the only one of the hotel rooms or suites to be listed with Historical Monuments, for its beamed ceilings, castings, gilt work and decorative carvings are a testament to the nineteenth century. In the heart of the hotel beneath a magnificent 1930s-era Eiffel-inspired steel and glass cupola lies La Bauhinia, where guests gather to enjoy Western and South East Asian classic
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Sri Lanka - Into the Wild
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Most people come to Sri Lanka for the luxury hotels and beaches but around 15% of the island is dedicated to national parks and reserves, home to elephants and leopards. Rupert Parker goes on a jungle adventure.
coffee, cinnamon and peppers and end up at small bathing pools at the foot of a waterfall. This is a beautiful spot and my guide tells me it’s safe to swim as there are no crocodiles here. As I lower my legs into the water, hundreds of small fish suddenly swarm around my feet and start nibbling. It’s an odd feeling but not unpleasant, the ultimate natural spa, and even though I try to shake them off, they keep coming back for more. Fortunately they’re only interested in the dead skin and not out for blood like those pesky leeches.
I’m just getting up from breakfast when I suddenly spot blood on the back of my leg, copious amounts dripping to my heel. My guide rushes out and collects a bunch of leaves from the Dogtail Tree and presses them against my wound. It seems I’ve been bitten by a leech and this is the traditional remedy to staunch the blood flow. I’m in Ahaspokuna Bushwalks Camp in a protected reserve in the centre of the island. We’d been out early to watch the sun rise and the leech bite is a small price to pay for being out in pristine nature. This is luxury glamping at its best where the silence is broken only by monkeys chattering in the trees and shrill cries of a peacock trying to attract a mate. At night fireflies flit through the bushes and the clear sky is filled with stars. My home consists of two tents erected on a high platform up in the trees and an electric fence surrounding the perimeter stops elephants getting too close. They can be a real danger as 10 days ago one of them killed a monk in the forest nearby after villagers had scared it off with fire crackers. On my jungle walks I see mounds of dung and trampled vegetation showing they’re close but never actually encounter any.
A four-night break staying at Ahaspokuna and Mahoora Udawalawe on half-board, transport throughout, including a safari in Udawalawe and walking tour at both locations costs from £550 per person. https://www.ecoteam.lk/ Experiential Journeys, which specialises in tours packed with unique experiences, can also help arrange transport. https:// www.exjourneys.com/
It was different in nearby Udawalawe National Park, where I went on safari a few days earlier. With an area of around 31,000 hectares, it’s one of the largest on the island. Extensive regions of tall grass, scrub, as well as trees, make it a favourable environment for elephants, and it’s thought that there are over 700 permanent residents. The Asian elephant is different from its African cousin, being slightly smaller and only around 8% of the males have tusks. Indeed that may be the reason why they’ve survived so long here, as poachers are not interested. At dawn, I’m out in the safari jeep and peacocks are crossing the road, strutting their stuff in full display mode. Early morning birdlife sightings include the colourful painted stork, serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, and pied hornbill. Young wild boar chase our vehicle and flighty spotted deer graze in the bushes. A daring boar tries to take on a huge stag, but it only takes a slight drop of the head and a thrusting of antlers to see him off. We’re on the lookout for leopards, as there have been recent sightings but are sadly disappointed. What we do see, though are elephants, lots of them – first, isolated males in the bushes, who engage in mock charges if we get too close, and then mothers with babies in small family groups. One memorable moment is the sight of two young males, playing by a puddle spraying themselves with red mucky water, to keep cool. Every now and then, they lock trunks and engage in head to head combat but it’s all play really. At a large water hole, a pair of jackals come down to the water to drink, oblivious to the presence of a massive male elephant stumbling through beside them. And we have a rare sighting of a jungle cat, about the size of a small dog, hiding in the undergrowth. At this time of the morning, the crocodiles are content to remain in the water, only their heads visible. Later, just outside the park, on our way back to breakfast, we sight our first tusker. He’s a young elephant with long ivory tusks, standing right up against the electric fence. A small crowd has gathered to make sure he goes no further. Back in Ahaspokuna, on my final day, I’m taken on a bush walk, safely protected by an ex-Sri Lankan army commando. He hacks his way through grasses higher than my head and this time I’m wearing leech proof socks which hopefully will deter the blood suckers. We pass through a small village where they’re growing
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New Forest Luxury Escape Argentor Cottage
Few holiday cottages are as picturesque as the 18th century thatched Argentor Cottage, nestled in the heart of the New Forest, five minutes from historic Beaulieu, and just 15 to Lyndhurst and local beaches with views across to the Isle of Wight. Hatchet Pond is a short stroll away, from where beautiful sunsets can be viewed. Other local attractions include Beaulieu Motor Museum, Exbury Gardens and Lepe Beach & Country Park. Brockenhurst and the Georgian market town of Lymington are a short drive away too. It’s the perfect place for a romantic or family escape from the city where you can take countryside or beach strolls, enjoy quaint pubs and relax in a pretty garden with a good bottle or two of wine. This idyllic retreat can sleep 6, and has three comfortable and attractive bedrooms, a modern stylish bathroom, beautifully designed lounge, quaint and cosy dining room and traditional kitchen with all the mod cons. If the weather is kind you can make the most of the large sunny garden and enjoy a BBQ. The cottage is self-catering but there are many excellent farm shops within easy proximity offering delicious fare from local artisan producers. The cottage has been wonderfully designed throughout and retains so much of its country character. It’s so tastefully done and you can see so much thought has gone in to making it the most special cottage you could ever wish to stay in. It really does feel like a luxurious home from home. We also appreciated the huge efforts the owners have taken to make the cottage as eco-friendly as possible, and for the super hamper filled with local artisan treats and a bottle of fine English sparkling wine on arrival. To book visit www.newforestcottages.co.uk
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Food and Wine in Batumi, Georgia Greek legend tells of a fabulously wealthy land, at the mysterious periphery of the known world, called Colchis, where Jason and the Argonauts stole the Golden Fleece from King Aieti helped by the king’s daughter Medea. The kingdom was part of present day Georgia, bounded by the Black Sea to the west, and it’s thought that Batumi was where they made their landfall. Georgia’s port on the Black Sea boasts a semi-tropical climate and is now the country’s second largest city. The railway arrived here in the 19th century, connecting it to Baku in Azerbaijan, so that oil could be shipped from here to the rest of the world. Later it grew into a fashionable resort, with the Russian Czar paying a visit, and the old town still has many of the distinguished buildings that accommodated and entertained the aristocratic guests. Batumi has reinvented itself in the last few years as Vegas on Black Sea, complete with casinos and crazy skyscrapers. Yet the long Boulevard still retains the elegance of the 19th century resort, complemented by the atmospheric old town. It’s a pleasant place to linger, absorb the sea air and perhaps take the occasional dip in the waters of the Black Sea. It’s also the home of traditional Ajarian cuisine which makes good use of walnuts and dairy products. As soon as I arrive, I’m recruited for a cooking session at Restaurant Terrassa Askaneli. I’m making Khachapuri, a traditional cheese pie which is served on every menu. They’ve already prepared the dough, just flour water and yeast, so all I have to do is roll it out and create a pasty shape. Then I stuff it with Sulguni, local cow’s cheese and bake it in the oven at 200C for a few minutes. When it comes out, I add butter and break an egg on top. It’s the perfect takeaway to munch as I step outside and walk along the Boulevard. Originally laid out in 1881, the promenade on the seafront now stretches for 7 km, south past newly built skyscrapers and an assortment of fountains, café and beach bars, all perfectly pleasant. Of course it’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down over the Black Sea and relish the bright lights of the modern city. Proudest of them all is the Alphabetic Tower – a futuristic 130m-high double helix displaying all the letters of the Georgian alphabet in neon.
Georgian variety that is harvested only in Western Georgia. In fact, the country is home to more than 500 varieties which are found nowhere else in the world. In 2006, French winemakers rediscovered the traditional Georgian technique of winemaking and passed it on to the locals. Fermentation and ripening is carried out in clay amphora, Qvevris, which are buried in the ground. The resulting wines are natural, earthy and completely unique. Today the natural wine movement is a recent fad but the Georgians have been doing this for thousands of years. They even use wine in their desserts. Churchkhela is a candlestick-like Georgian multi-coloured sweet. They’re made by stringing walnuts together, dipping them into thickened grape juice until they are well coated, then hanging them up to dry. You see many strings of them at most markets and they last for quite some time, making them the perfect snack. So back to Jason and the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece. Historically in Georgia, sheepskins were used to dredge tiny nuggets of gold from mountain streams. And, at the ancient burial site of Vani, near the Colchis capital of Kutaisi, exquisite gold ornaments have been found. They date from the same period when Jason was reputed to be here. So, perhaps the Argonauts really were here and the legend is true. Fact File FLY: Turkish Airlines flies from London Heathrow to Batumi, via Istanbul. https://www.turkishairlines.com/ INFO: Georgia has information about the country. https://georgia.travel/en_US Go Batumi has information about city and the region. https:// www.gobatumi.com/en The Bradt Guide to Georgia is indispensable https://www. bradtguides.com/product/georgia-6/
By Rupert Parker
In pleasant contrast is the old town. Built over a century ago during the oil boom years, the neoclassical houses have wrought iron balconies with trailing vines supported by imposing columns. It’s an attractive area, not unlike the French Quarter of New Orleans, and fun to explore on foot. In the centre of Europe Square, there’s an enormously tall plinth topped with a statue of Medea holding a glistening Golden Fleece in her hands. The legend says that when Jason and the Argonauts arrived here, they were surprised to find grapevines flourishing on the edge of the known world. At the king’s palace, they even found a well, overflowing with wine. Georgia’s wine traditions date back over 4000 years and their ancient winemaking technique has been recently revived. 20 km inland from Batumi, in the middle of the countryside, is the Adjarian Wine House, surrounded by vineyards. Their white, red and rose wines come from Chkhaveri grapes, an old
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WE ARE OPEN Located in the heart of London’s most prestigious Royal Borough, Forty Five Kensington offers a dining and gaming experience that sets new standards in style and sophistication. Sample the delights of our luxurious restaurant, offering fine dining with an inspiring menu of dishes from around the world. Equally as impressive as the menu is the level of service, with our team of highly trained staff attending to your every need.
After your meal, enjoy a drink in the relaxed surroundings of our elegant bar or feel the excitement of the Kensington Gaming Floor and experience the best in gaming where you’ll find all your favourite table games and state-of-the-art electronic gaming machines. Whether you’re a discerning gamer wanting to take your skills to the next level, or simply looking to enjoy an evening of first class dining and entertainment, Forty Five Kensington promises to go above and beyond every expectation.
Open 3pm - 5am, with live gaming available from 4pm, 7 days a week Restaurant open 7pm - 1am, Tuesday - Saturday
Forty Five Kensington, 45 Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2EF
+44 (0)20 7589 4041 www.fortyfivekensington.co.uk
Àclèaf, Boringdon Hall AA 4 Rosette West Country Star Overlooking the Great Hall at the historic Boringdon Hall Hotel near Plymouth you’ll find the intimate and sophisticatedly romantic Àclèaf; a space to gather around the table and taste exquisite menus created by Head Chef Scott Paton. Recently awarded AA 4 Rosette status, and rightly so, this hidden gastronomy gem is worth seeking out. A 3-ish hour jaunt on a good day from London, Boringdon Hall is a super place to stay for a long weekend with the delights of the Devon countryside, coastline and Dartmoor on your doorstep and a super spa to enjoy. The restaurant is small and intimate and has views over what might have been a minstrels’ gallery in the Great Hall down to the lounge and bar below. It’s gently lit, peaceful and refreshingly free of the superfluous décor fripperies many restaurants favour. Here the focus is firmly on the food. Incredibly talented chef, Scott Paton uses only the finest locally sourced ingredients for his elegantly presented dishes. You can enjoy Àclèaf’s signature four-course menu with paired wine flights, or as we did, their rather fabulous 6-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Settling down we were warmly welcomed with a glass of delectable Gusbourne Pinot Noir, before an eye-catchingly pretty aray of canapes arrived. These packed-with-flavour morsels included a goats’ cheese mousse ball with a tasty truffle glaze and gold leaf decoration, as well as a game donut topped with sticky-sweet sauce. They were almost too pretty to eat - but were so moreish they didn’t last long! We delighted in scallops with champagne and fermented grape paired with Gavi di Gavi, La Minaia, Nicola Bergaglio, followed by curry and mango crab with Gewurztraminer, Trimbach. Turbot with lemon and brassicas paired with Bollinger was savoured before Iberico, walnut and waldorf with Amarone Della, Valpolicella, Zonin. And then butter soft Wagyu, truffle and morels paired with a fine Margaux, and chocolate, itakuja and passionfruit with an Orange Muscat from Essencia. It’s so rare to find such sophisticated yet simple and delicious dining like this outside of London. It would be no surprise at all to see this talented chef earn a Michelin star. We wouldn’t hesitate to return. Six courses £140 pp, with wine pairing add £80pp and £16pp for a cheese course. You can book a wonderful Àclèaf Tasting Experience Break, available until 1st June. This includes one night’s accommodation, full breakfast in Mayflower Brasserie, SixCourse Tasting Menu along with wine flight, complimentary access to the Gaia Spa and 10% off any treatments pre-booked. For further information visit Boringdon Hall Hotel www.boringdonhall.co.uk
Copper Chimney A Touch of Bombay in London Once upon a time, almost exactly forty years ago, Copper Chimney opened its first outpost with much aplomb in the western Indian city of Bombay and shook up the local restaurant scene. It was started by Mr. JK Kapur, a Punjabi entrepreneur and gastronome, who wanted to bring the best of North Indian food to the most cosmopolitan of Indian cities. Not that there was a dearth of quality fare in the metropolis – cuisine from every nook and corner of India was well represented and indeed food from other parts of the world. However, Copper Chimney brought a finesse and a stamp of quality to the scene; something that was amiss in that pre-liberalised, socialist state of India. The décor was dashing, the tandoors worked wonders and the Bawarchis or chefs– also referred to as Ustads or masters since Moghul times - spun their magic upon bewitched patrons. Dilip Kumar, still regarded as India’s greatest movie star and who unfortunately passed away last year at the ripe old age of ninety two, inaugurated the first Copper Chimney in the Worli area of Bombay and the rest is history. Delightful photos from that evening now hang in Copper Chimney’s latest venture – its first in London at Westfield Shopping Centre in White City/ Shepherd’s Bush. Copper Chimney’s newest incarnation is housed in a commodious building perched on the southern end of one of the great modern malls of London. A moderate-sized bar with just the right amount of glass detailing welcomes guests into a rather inviting, large hall that seems incongruous in a shopping centre. A quick look at the menu reveals the restaurant’s omniscience of the art of working thehumble Indian tandoor oven. The genius of tandoor is particularly evident in the Chargrilled Chicken Tikka and it the first thing I’d literally admonish everyone to try. It is utterly unbelievably good and I am sure I haven’t tasted such flavourful succulence anywhere in London. To be honest, that one dish itself is worth the trip to W12. The tandoori section also includes Grilled Burrah Chops, Chutney Fish and Seekh Kebab – all of which further cement the eatery’s tandoor credentials. Starters also include a divine masala-salted fried Okra, a worthy substitute for papadum which its crunchy goodness and a more familiar Samosa Chaat. Mains include a tangy Pickled Chicken masala, a classic Rogan Josh and a choice of scrumptious Biriyanis and vegetarian stars including Parada Lamb Biryani and Black Dal Maharaja respectively. Drinks include classic cocktails and some very interesting with an Indian twist such as the vodka-based Worli Morning. The beer list includes the ubiquitous Indian lager Kingfisher. There is even a masala chai section for enthusiasts and teetotallers alike. Copper Chimney in Westfield delivers on its promise and reputation back home in India. It ignites memories of Old Bombay and the legendary cuisine of the nawabs and maharajas of India. The name’s the same and ditto the logo and most importantly, the food! Copper Chimney fans in London can breathe a collective sigh of relief that the name associated with quality and some of the most delectable food to come out of south Asia delivers a strong suit on its debut in London. Copper Chimney, Westfield Shopping Centre W12 Website: www.copperchimney.uk Social Media: copperchimney_uk By Sid Raghava
KCR Curated
Tabitha James Kraan Scented Organic Hair Oil £43 www.tabithajameskraan.com MONPURE London Triple-Hydration Hit £137 www.monpure.com Vintner’s Daughter, Active Botanical Serum £175 www.net-a-porter.com Pour Moi, India Long Sleeve Body £49, Laced in Gold Soft Body £45, India Cami Suspender £38 Laced Up Back Deep Brief £18 www.pourmoi.co.uk Mission 770 £3500 a pair www.mission.co.uk Shake Up Cosmetics Face4Ward Bundle £72 www.shakeupcosmetics.com Luviss Water Based Lubricant £25 www.luviss.com Liforme Year of the Tiger Yogamat £135 www.liforme.com Canterbury Bears Bunny & Freya Bundle £133 www.canterburybears.co.uk
Dermanda Boto Lift Face Cream £225 www.dermanda.co.uk HADES Bowie Hunky Dory Vest £269 https://hades-shop.co.uk/ Fitzdares, ‘Guide to London’ for the most discerning gentleman £14.99 www.fitzdares.com The Comfy £39.99 www.thecomfy.com AUBIN: Barlings Socks £18, Scampton Plaited leather Belt £59, Brockham Rugby Shirt £75 www.aubinandwillss.co.uk dCS Vivaldi DAC, Rossini DAC & Rossini Player (Ring DAC APEX hardware as standard) £33000, £25500 & £28000 www.dcsaudio.com www.absolutesounds.com
Food & Drink Files
A guide to some of our the season’s very best edible gifts, meal plans and wines
Beronia wine Rueda £8.99 Waitrose, Crianza £11.99, Reserva £11.99 Cantina Toblino Baticor Pinot Nero £37.80 https://hedonism.co.uk/ www.toblino.it/en/ Monte del Frà Valpolicella Classico £14.95 www.twelvegreenbottleswine.co.uk/ www.montedelfra.it/?lang=en Castello di Cigognola Moratti Rosé Champenoise DOCG Oltrepo’ Pavese Pinot Noir Vintage 2013 £29.95 wineswithstories.com. www.castellodicigognola.com/en Codorniu Rosado Brut NV £6.99 www.waitrose.com Vida Wines Spring Mixed Case £49 https://vidawines.co.uk/ Chapel Down Rosé Brut NV £26.99. www.waitrosecellar.com Farhi Bonbonniere £15 and £25 https://www.farhi.co.uk Munch Fit. Various tasty and healthy meal plans from www.munchfit.co.uk By Ruby. Super range of handmade food for your freezer https://byruby.co.uk/ Love Yourself. Excellent Health meal subscription service https://www.loveyourself.co.uk/ Cartografie Chocolate Collection £24 https://cartografiechocolate.com/ Cartwright & Butler Happy Easter Gift Box £25 www.cartwrightandbutler.co.uk Dukeshill Marc de Champagne Truffles & Fizz £45 www.dukeshillham.co.uk Niederegger Desserts Edition Marzipan Eggs £8 www.johnlewis.com Pale Fox Prosecco www.palefoxprosecco.com
Time for Health
Our favourite superfoods, supplements, clever allergy-busting products and more..
Henry Allergy £139.99 (from £199.99) www.myhenry.com Soda Stream Spirit Hydration Pack £69.99, Crystal Glass from £99.99 https://sodastream.co.uk/ Dr Seaweed Weed & Wonderful Pure Organic Seaweed £19.95 https:// doctorseaweed.com/ Your Super Gut Feeling £22.90 https://yoursuper.eu/ Welleco The Hair Elexir £40 www.welleco.co.uk
Earth’s Secret Sleep £35 https://earthsecret.com/ Lily & Loaf Skin, Hair & Nail Gummies £14.18 https://lilyandloafinternational.com/ Prodigy Low Sugar Bars www.prodigysnacks.com Cannoffee Super coffee with the benefits of CBD www.thehashtagcompany.com BOSH! Healthy Vegan Cookery Book £5.49 www.amazon.co.uk
Style & Beauty Edit The KCR Curated guide to some of the very best beauty and style products this Spring
Style & Beauty Edit Where to Buy Leighton Denny Plant Based Nail Polishes. £12.50 each https:// leightondenny.com/ Abbott Lyon Blush Pearl Link Nueva 40 £149.00 Watch www. abbottlyon.com Abbott Lyon Pearl Canvas Resort Bag www.abbottlyon.com Cambridge Satchel Company The Traveller in Fizzy Grape Matte £230 www.cambridgesatchel.com Acotis Diamonds Elements Gold 9ct White Gold Shaped Blue Topaz Diamond Earrings £412.50 www.acotisdiamonds.co.uk The Diamond Store Aquamarine 0.34CT And Diamond 9K White Gold Pendant Necklace £165 www.thediamondstore. co.uk Narciso Rodriguez For Him Bleu Noir Eau de Toilette, 50ml £54.00 www.johnlewis.com Rose Diamond Collection www.theorganicpharmacy.com Willowberry Limited Edition Design Indulgent Hand & Body Lotion £29.99 www.willowberry.co.uk Willowberry Limited Edition Design Luxury Skincare Gift Set £79.99 www.willowberry.co.uk Bon Parfumeur 501 Eau de parfum £75.00 www.selfridges.com Narciso Rodriguez, Narciso Poudrée Eau De Parfum 90ml Spray £89.50 www.thefragranceshop.co.uk Narciso Rodriguez, For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau De Parfum 100ml Spray £101.50 www.thefragranceshop.co.uk Serge Lutens Féminité Du Bois Limited Edition 50ml £110.00 www.harveynichols.com Aaran Glen Rosa Fig & Ylang Ylang 100ml Eau de Toilette £42.50 https://arran.com/ Wonderskin Liquid Gym Face Sculpting Serum £30.00 https:// eu.wonderskin.com/ Tisserand Energy Boost range www.tisserand.com/energy-boost/ Alteya Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil £12.95 https:// alteya.co.uk/ Sensai Contouring Lipstick & Lipstick Holder www.sensai-cosmetics.com Initio Atomic Rose Eau de parfum 90ml £215.00 www.selfridges.com Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Lily Eau de Toilette 75ml £83 www. harrods.com Weleda Love Aroma Shower 200ml £8.25 https://www.weleda. co.uk/ Ren Moroccan Rose range www.renskincare.com Dolce & Gabbana Sheerlips Lipsticks £33.00 www.lookfantastic. com Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist £26.00 and Exclusive Edition Five Roses Hand Cream £32.00 www.jurlique.com Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosee Eau de Parfum 75ml £200.00 www.fenwick.co.uk Heritage Store Rosewater Range https://heritagestore.com/ Dry Bar luxury hair styling range www.drybar.com Natucain Brow Serum https://natucain.co.uk/ Slip Multi Skinny Scrunchies £39 www.slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk HD Brows The Pro Pencil Bundle £25.00. https://hdbrows. com/ Gaia Awakening Body Oil £30 www.gaiaskincare.com Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser £26 www.greenpeople.co.uk Daniel Dishop Tan Leather Shopper Bag £169.00 www.danielfootwear.com PMD Clean Body £145 https://uk.pmdbeauty.com/product/ clean-body
Duke + Dexter & Fracap Exclusive Collaboration
Fracap have made hiking boots for over a century – and with this collaboration, D+D have taken that historic know-how, combined it with a freshness from their own design lab in Hackney, London and turned the spirit of adventure to face winter in the city.
Duke + Dexter challenges expectations of what a British shoe brand can and should be - striking a balance between progressive style and familiar British charm.
Every pair has been handmade in Italy, sharing the DNA that has made Fracap boots some of the best in the world. The exclusive collection has been equipped with custom Vibram soles, traditional hiker eyelets and finished in leather or water-resistant suede. There’s even a style that’s been made to leave footprints on the pavement, not the planet, with a Vibram sole made from recycled plastic and a vegan leather upper. In true D+D style, this is a collection that’s been built with a real sense of purpose. Each pair has been designed to be more than just a robust boot that can conquer any terrain – the London footwear label has created them to give the wearer the ability to go anywhere, in any weather, and look damn good doing it. This trio of Hiking Boots are purposefully built to feel as comfortable and suitable up in the Dolomites, as they are on the streets of Dalston. Archie Hewlett at Duke + Dexter said “Fracap is one of the greatest boot makers of all time, and teaming up with them has resulted in boots that can do pretty much anything. Along with their credentials being fit for taking on mountain paths, we’ve also made them ready to pound the pavement with modern fabrications, lightweight revisions and novel touches that make them relevant to your everyday style - whilst still retaining their world beating features”.
Over the past 5 years, D+D has expanded from its London roots into a global community; working with athletes, musicians, artists, designers, photographers and pioneers who do things differently, who go against the grain. D+D are big believers in making the most of what you own - buy once and buy right is a powerful mantra - and they want the way their shoes are worn to reflect that. Since launching in 2015, D+D has received international recognition, selling to over 120 countries worldwide and working with reputable international retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Nordstrom, Levels and Tsum. A Winner at Draper’s 2017 & 2019 Footwear Awards as Premium Footwear Brand of the Year and nominated for Best Online Footwear Business in 2018, the brand has found favour with a credible celebrity clientele. Eddie Redmayne, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Timberlake, Jonah Hill, David Beckham, Snoop Dogg and Rihanna have all sported D+D’s - helping cement D+D’s position as a leading footwear label. Available exclusively at dukeanddexter.com RRP: £290
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Spa Time: Grey Wolfe I arrived at the Grey Wolfe spa on a cold, wet January afternoon, somewhat frazzled after leaving too little time to find somewhere to park. It speaks volumes for the calm and relaxed ambience that the designers of this recently opened spa in Barnes, a pretty corner of West London, have managed to create that within moments I felt the tension easing away. As I waited in the tasteful reception area, with its mellow hues and uncluttered surfaces, sipping a cup of lavender and chamomile tea so delicious that I bought a jar for home, I wondered vaguely why this new arrival on the spa scene is named Grey Wolfe (I never did work it out). In the meantime, my eyes wandered over the elegant glass shelves stocked with a tempting range of products – from oils and infusions to body and face creams. Grey Wolfe claims to be much more than your average health spa – a ‘holistic wellness space, specialising in bespoke treatments that align the mind, body and spirit’, according to the blurb. In advance of my visit, I had been sent a detailed form to complete, covering everything from general health to my aspirations for the treatment. My therapist discussed this with me to make sure that she tailored the experience (a full body massage) accordingly. The treatment began with some breathing exercises, slow and deep to start with, then growing to such speed and intensity that I was left feeling like I’d run up several dozen flights of stairs. If the purpose was to clear my mind and focus it on my breath, then it worked. The ensuing massage was utter bliss. Using scented oils tailored to both revive and relax, as I’d asked, it sent me into a state of such serenity that I wanted time to stand still. Afterwards, I was given plenty of time to relax, cocooned in deliciously warm towels and lulled almost to sleep by calming music. Another consultation with my therapist followed, during which she made some observations from the treatment, some of which I expected (tightly-knotted shoulders – the perennial lot of someone who spends most of their time hunched over a computer) but others which were more about my emotional state and were surprisingly perceptive. From this, she made recommendations for lifestyle changes and products to try, all of which I found both insightful and inspiring. With treatments starting from £85 for a 30-minute deep-tissue massage to a 90-minute ‘Renaissance body glow’ treatment for £240, the Grey Wolfe experience doesn’t come cheap. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The fact that it offers a genuinely individual, tailored experience sets it ahead of other spas and leaves you feeling thoroughly nurtured, as opposed to merely pampered. By the time I had to venture back out into the now dark and rainy afternoon, I felt so blissed-out that not only could I not remember where I had parked the car, I could barely recall owning one at all. For further details and to book visit: https://greywolfe.co.uk/ By Tracy Borman
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LUX UR Y S P A NISH PROPERTI ES FOR SALE Three new homes-from-home from Asturianproperties.com 1. PROPERTY IN LLANES, ASTURIAS. €4.8 MILLION At this designer-acclaimed clifftop villa: everything’s planned – just arrive, relax, have fun. Wake up to wide sea vistas, stroll along your private clifftop – there’s no-one to bother you here. Yet, you’re only a 50m amble to the local unspoilt beach. There are three floors, all reached by the lift, plus seven bedrooms and bathrooms, two kitchens and dining rooms, a wine cellar, larder and laundry facilities too. You and your guests will be in awe of the surrounding mountain and marine landscape. Exercise in the indoor and outdoor pools, the jacuzzi, sauna, gym, tennis court, basketball and football pitch in 12,000sq m of grounds, including 948sq m of habitable space and a 108sq m terrace. In Llanes there are top restaurants, some Michelin-starred, and the Santander International Arts Festival or the Opera season in Oviedo are held here. The villa featured in Interior Designs magazine shortly after construction, for its sleek lines and clean finishes. There’s also a garage for six cars, and an automatic pellet-drive eco-system which supplies underfloor heating, air-conditioning and heating for both pools. And, you can control all aspects of the villa when away via the top-of-therange remote system. The nearby A8 Highway, which links to all parts of Spain and Europe, is out of sight and ear-shot, while airports, ferry ports and other principal transport links are within an hour’s drive. 2. PROPERTY IN VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS. €2.4 MILLION Manicured wooded gardens set the 6,000m2 scene for this stunning stone manor house and pavilion. During its full restoration, 1996-1999, the owners took exquisite care to maintain the original features whilst implementing new foundations and a reinforced concrete solid core of pillars, slabs and beams, overlaid with the original elements of wood, stone and forged metal. It was a labour of love. Its 815m2 are on 3 floors.
Ideal as an exclusive home or a business with a high potential return on investment whose options range from a hotel with wedding or corporate events venue, and/or, since it has a professional kitchen, an elite restaurant. All these activities could be perfectly integrated to produce a highly profitable business. In its discreet private setting, the house can host up to 25 overnight guests and 300 private party guests. Whatever the prospective buyer’s preference its location is second-tonone, with outstanding mountains and coast of stunning beaches and cliffs: Rodiles, La Griega, La Isla, La Espasa. Excellent A8 Highway communications to the nearby 3 cities, Asturias airport 72km and Santander airport and ferry port 148km. 3. PROPERTY IN VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS. €950,000 Near Rodiles beach this traditional Asturian Palace in 4,000m2 stonewalled land with building permission. Family coat-of-arms adorns the 18th Century baroque-style palace, whose first floor is virtually all original chestnut flooring. A large stone barn, guests’ dwelling, and pigeon loft add to the 770m2 construction of 2 kitchens, 3 living rooms, 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Ground floors - garages oozing potential. Palace’s first floor accesses its beautiful centennial arboretum gardens to garden house, BBQ, and WC. Just 2.8km to fabulous Rodiles beach, 6.6km to Villaviciosa market town. Communications: Asturias airport 70km eastwards, Santander airport and ferry port 150km west. THE COMPANY
Distribution: Ground Floor - entrance hall, living room with fireplace accessing the beautiful stone-pillared porch, sitting room with fireplace leading to the stone staircase, library, dining-room, wine cellar, kitchen-diner, utility, bedroom, bathroom, toilet. First Floor - 7 bedrooms (1 with living room). Second Floor - 4 bedrooms (1 triple with living room and small loft).All 11 bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and built-in wardrobes.The property is sold furnished. Opened as an hotel in 2000, soon becoming one of the best rural hotels in Asturias, acclaimed by important travel critics such as Fernando Gallardo. This lead to it being listed in many sector reference guides: “Hoteles con Encanto”, “Turismo de Silencio”, “Michelin Guide”, “Special Places to Stay in Spain”, “Rusticae”, “Domus Selecta Aurea”; the prestigious luxury hotel association Relais Chateaux invited the owners to join the association, potentially making it the first hotel in Asturias to achieve such recognition. However, in 2005 it returned to being the owners’ private residence. 2008 debuted the celebration of weddings, that of a family friend. Such a success was it that the owners were inspired to integrate a pavilion into the garden sensitively and stylishly following English designs that combine stone, wood and glass. The 376m2 encompass the banqueting suite, professional kitchen, porch and dance floor, 6 rest rooms. Capable of hosting celebrations for 300. Very soon TELVA BODAS (the prestigious national wedding magazine) selected it amongst the 6 most beautiful locations in Spain.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
I am Miriam Malga-Smith and Asturian-Property.com is my business, the highly personalised online agency for English speakers worldwide, based in London and Asturias. I am bilingual and have bilingual professionals to assist my clients through all stages of the sale/purchase of properties in Northern Spain. If you are interested in knowing more about Asturias and other regions in Green Spain, you will find more information at Asturian-Property.com, or please contact me personally via my email miriam@asturian-property.com or the following mobile numbers (+34) 639 170 320 or (+44) 754 575 6152.
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KCR Drive Editor in Chief Lisa Curtiss reviews a selection of our most highly rated cars this Spring
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Audi RS Q8 Few SUVs are as handsome and imposing as the RS Q8 from Audi. With its near on matchless blend of sports car pace and SUV space, this 600ps , 800 Nm, 0-62mph in 3.8 secs barnstormer isn’t for the faint-hearted - or financially challenged. Our TSFI Carbon Black model tested with RS Styling Pack, City Assist Pack and panoramic sunroof was just shy of £119,000. Is it worth it? Well.. as one of our wealthy, luxury appreciating readers, a resounding YES. There is so much to appreciate. From its stunning looks, luxury materials, build quality, acres of space and versatility to how fantastically dynamic and engaging it is to drive and the raft of advanced tech at your disposal the RS Q8 excels. Viewed in the metal this is a sizable car – even as large SUVs go. Despite weighing in at around the 2.4 tonne mark and almost wide enough to completely fill between both lines of your average parking space, it’s sleek and sporty looking and a refreshing change from the numerous large SUVs which favour a more boxy look. The sloping roofline flows into the forward-canted D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheel arches. RS-specific trim strips in the body colour widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear, providing space for the more generous track. The RS sills come standard in Manhattan grey, which makes the body appear even more athletic. An RS roof edge spoiler provides a striking finish at the top; design highlights closer to the road are the RS-specific rear skirt with a diffuser clip in high gloss black and the RS-typical oval tailpipes. The RS roof edge spoiler provides downforce on the rear axle for even balance at high speeds. This stylish new Audi RS Q8 is available in a choice of nine colours: one solid paint finish and eight metallic or pearl effect shades, plus the Audi exclusive programme offers numerous additional exterior colour options. The exterior mirror housings come standard in aluminium, with carbon or black fitted to Carbon Black and Vorsprung models respectively. The black (on Vorsprung) and carbon (for Carbon Black models) styling packages set precise accents at the radiator grille, blades, diffuser clip and rear light strip (carbon only). In combination with these styling packages, the Audi rings and RS logos at the front and rear are also black. The tinted RS HD Matrix LED headlights have a three-dimensional daytime running lights signature with a digital character, similar to the LED tail lights. A light strip backed by a high-gloss black surface joins the rear lights, further emphasizing the wide stance. The RS Matrix LED headlights and the rear lights include dynamic turn signals and are showcased by an expressive RS-specific animation when the car is locked or unlocked. The interior of the new RS Q8 features a deliberately clean design. All elements beneath the black cloth headlining have a logical connection and harmonise with one another. The headlining is black Alcantara for Carbon Black and Vorsprung specifications. The slim instrument panel and the strongly horizontal lines convey a feeling of spaciousness. The central element in the cockpit is the top MMI touch response display. With its black-panel look, it almost dissolves into a large, black surface when switched off. Another primary design element is the wide, symmetrical console of the centre tunnel. Framing it are design elements in Aluminum Spectrum, which underscore the athletic character of the large SUV coupe. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI display provide information on such things as tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached. The head-up display, exclusively available on Vorsprung versions, also offers several RS-specific graphics. Luxurious RS sport seats in Valcona leather with a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing are fitted as standard. Ventilation and a massage function are also added to the Vorsprung specification.
sill trims sport an RS Q8 logo. The fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel flattened at the bottom with shift paddles also includes multifunction buttons. The driver can directly select the new Audi drive select modes RS1 and RS2 via the RS-Mode button. RS-specific displays then open automatically in the Audi virtual cockpit. The RS Q8 also demonstrates its uncompromised everyday usability in the rear. A sliding three-seat rear bench is standard. With the seat backrests folded down, the luggage compartment under the power rear hatch holds up to 1,755 litres. Despite its hefty weight and size, the RS Q8’s performance trounces many that of many acclaimed sports cars. The 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine with 600 PS and maximum torque of 800 Nm combines with the quattro all-wheel drive and the 8-speed automatic tiptronic to deliver pure dynamism. The 0 to 62 mph sprint is delivered in a in 3.8 seconds. While the Electromechanical active roll stabilisation and RS-specific Adaptive Air Suspension provide excellent agility, precision and comfort, the dual exhaust system delivers a delicious roar too. The power of the V8 TFSI flows to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via the standard eight-speed tiptronic. Configured as a planetary gear, the purely mechanical centre differential typically distributes the drive power in a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles. In the event of slip, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can be directed to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels. Wheel-selective torque control perfects the safe and agile handling of the new RS Q8. During dynamic cornering, the quattro sport differential fitted as standard distributes drive torque between the rear wheels as required. This active torque vectoring improves traction, stability and dynamics. The standard RS-specific adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping means the new RS Q8 is equally at home on the racetrack or an offroad trail. Its RS-specific damper tuning allows for a particularly broad spread between a setup biased toward comfort and an extremely sporty setup. Depending on driving situation and the driver’s wishes, the body’s ride height varies by up to 90 millimetres. The optional electromechanical active roll stabilisation (EAWS) minimise body roll during fast cornering. There is a compact electric motor between the two halves of the stabilizer on each of the two axles. When driving straight ahead, the two halves of the stabilizer are decoupled, which reduces body movement on uneven roads and also increases ride comfort. All-wheel steering, also standard, moves the rear wheels via a hightorque electric spindle drive and two track rods. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to 5 degrees opposite the direction of the front wheels for greater agility. At high speeds, they turn up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability during fast lane changes. With variable ground clearance, short overhangs, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and hill descent control, the new Audi RS Q8 can carry on calmly and confidently when paved roads end. The driver can precisely influence the character of the RS Q8 via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. There are eight profiles from which to choose: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, offroad and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2, which can be activated directly via the “RS-MODE” button on the steering wheel. Audi drive select affects such things as engine and transmission management, steering boost, the air suspension, all-wheel steering, engine sound and the characteristic of the automatic air conditioning.
The RS design package – standard on Carbon Black and Vorsprung, and available in red or grey – includes red or grey contrasting stitching on the knee pads, steering wheel rim, floor mats, gear selector lever and the edges of the seat belts. With both packages, the centre console, selector lever and steering wheel are covered in Alcantara.
The new RS Q8 comes standard with 22-inch aluminium wheels in a 10-spoke star design with 295/40-series tyres – the largest ever factory-installed on an Audi production model. Optional 23-inch cast aluminium wheels in a 5 Y-spoke rotor design are available exclusively for the RS Q8. Carbon Black editions are fitted with the 23-inch 5-Y spoke wheels in gloss black, while an anthracite black with diamond turned finish is applied to the Vorsprung. Behind the large wheels is an RS brake system with internally vented composite discs (420 mm) up front, 370 mm at the rear. Their 10-inch piston calipers are painted black as standard, but are available in red as an option.
There is an RS logo on the steering wheel. The illuminated front door
For more information visit www.audi.co.uk
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Salon Prive London Salon Privé London is set to make its debut at the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 21-23 April 2022, and the brand-new fixture promises to be one of the UK’s most exclusive luxury motor shows. At the heart of the event is the unique Concours de Vente, a groundbreaking concept that will feature 60 of the finest automotive classics – all of which will be for sale. The cars will be entered by the most respected specialist dealers from across the UK and continental Europe, with Salon Privé London offering a rare opportunity for them to showcase a selection of their most significant consignments in one place. The first 10 dealers to be confirmed are Fiskens, Classic Motor Hub, Howard Wise Cars, Furlonger Specialist Cars, Dylan Miles, RS Williams, Graeme Hunt, Richards of England, Vintage Bentley and Hofmann’s. Elsewhere at Salon Privé London, the world’s leading luxury and supercar manufacturers will take advantage of the event’s status as the first main automotive fixture in the European calendar by showing off their latest models and technology. The lawn will be full of new cars, many of which will be making their UK, European, or even global debuts. It’s not just about the horsepower, though. Away from the cars, you can expect the most glamorous celebration in the automotive calendar, where the focus will be on creating an environment where everything on display is for sale. Salon Privé has long been renowned for the quality of its hospitality and retail experience, and Royal Hospital Chelsea will host a coming-together of automotive icons and luxury brands. The latter will showcase everything from Riva sports boats and Bell helicopters to the finest jewellery, luxury fashion brands to watches. The Salon Privé TIME emporium includes some of the world’s most revered watchmaking brands displaying their latest designs. Event Director Andrew Bagley said: ‘Salon Privé London is much more than just a car show: we’re planning an experience in the truest sense of the word. You’ll come for the cars, and stay for the bars, gourmet hospitality, luxury shopping, entertainment and vibe – all in the true Salon Privé style that people have come to expect. Guests can enjoy fine dining alongside beautiful classic cars and supercars, while soaking up stunning artworks and the very best that luxury brands have to offer. Entertaining and being entertained is very Salon Privé – and something that’s been at the heart of everything we do, ever since our first luxury car event at the Hurlingham Club back in 2006.’ Various VIP hospitality packages are available, from exclusive dining in ‘The Sloane’, where you can sip bottomless chilled glasses of Louis Pommery and indulge in a sumptuous threecourse seated luncheon, as well as afternoon tea, to gourmet buffet luncheons and full complimentary bar. The celebration will of course retain the luxury cars that you’d expect from Salon Privé, which is globally renowned for showcasing the world’s most respected automotive brands, such as Aston Martin, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls-Royce. This really is the place to see and be seen! Tickets for Salon Privé London are on sale now. For further event information visit: www.salonprivelondon.com
21-23
APRIL
2022
|
ROYAL
HOSPITAL
CHELSEA
An exclusive party like no other in the heart of London. Showcasing luxury supercars and the finest classics alongside a host of luxury lifestyle brands and a feast of flavours. Book your tickets now! For more details visit salonprivelondon.com
Scan For Tickets
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Lexus NX 450h
The all-new Lexus NX is serious competition for all luxury medium-sized SUVs, with its eye-catching design, dynamic driverfocused performance and efficient eco-forward plug-in hybrid electric powertrain which is a first for the brand. Lexus is on a roll for creating cars as desirable to gaze at as they are great to drive. It’s hard to fault the elegant lines of the sublime LC500 we’ve tested, which happens to be swift, beautifully balanced and engaging to drive. The all-new NX also has ample kerb appeal with its bold muscular curves contrasting with sharp angles to give it substance yet sportiness. It’s all about preserving the avant-garde character that proved so attractive to customers with the first-generation model while using a new more sophisticated, mature and dynamic design language. The result is what the brand calls “functional beauty,” a blending of design with performance to produce styling that delivers improved aerodynamics, noise reduction and fuel efficiency. Viewed from the front, the hallmark Lexus grille plays a more integral role in the design. Its lines flow back to accentuate the long bonnet and generate the overall form and volume of the body as it flares broadly through the muscular rear wings. The elegant shape of the bonnet also supports good forward visibility from the driver’s seat. Head to the back to appreciate how the model’s long and sleek front-end contrasts with a condensed rear section with its short overhang and powerful haunches. The rear view is distinguished by new L-shaped all-LED light clusters, and Lexus’s signature blade lighting which spans the width of the vehicle, a feature first seen on the UX compact luxury SUV. There’s a choice of 11 colours, including three shades that use Lexus’s advanced sonic paint technology – Sonic White, Sonic Titanium and new Sonic Grey. Five ultra-thin layers of paint with compressed pigment particles are applied and hand polished to achieve striking light and shade contrasts and a deeper lustre across the bodywork. Slip inside the new NX to really appreciate how excellent Lexus’ cabins are. This the first model to feature Lexus’s Tazuna concept for the driver’s cockpit, an approach that was first revealed in the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept car. Taking its name from a Japanese word describing a rider’s use of the reins to control a horse, it focuses on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle, following the principal of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”. It also raises the quality of the driving experience, making the driver feel confident and in command of their vehicle and their surroundings. While the driver experiences the focused, engaging environment created
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
by the new Tazuna cockpit design, passengers enjoy a greater sense of space with an elevated level of comfort, quality and attention to detail that are quintessentially Lexus, evoking the feeling of a luxurious lounge. Great attention has been paid to making the seats as comfortable as possible and eight-way power adjustment, plus lumbar support, is available for the front seats on high grade models, while on F Sport models additional forward/back headrest adjustment is provided. Gentle, indirect cabin illumination can be adjusted using the Lexus Mood Selector to help create the right effect for every journey, with ambient lighting in the footwells, door panels and centre console. As a SUV you’d expect there to be space, and there is. The load space is 545 litres with the rear seats in place, increasing to a maximum 1,436 litres with the seats folded down. There is sufficient room to carry three golf bags or two large suitcases (77 and 63-litre), without the seats being lowered. Out on the road, this is a delight of a car to drive. Unlike may SUVs of this class, it’s agile, swift and responsive. Lexus has drawn on more than 15 years of hybrid technology expertise to produce this first plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The full plug-in system, including electric motors and battery, produces a maximum 305bhp/227 kW, enabling acceleration from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds. At the same time, CO2 emissions between 20 and 26g/km and fuel economy between 256.8 and 313.9mpg are among the best in the new NX’s class. Thanks to its powerful battery and superior efficiency, NX 450h+ also provides a substantially higher EV range: 43 to 47 miles combined, rising to 55 to 61 miles in the urban cycle - twice the range offered by competitor cars. The NX 450h+ is also equipped as standard with Lexus’s intelligent E-Four electric all-wheel drive system and has a 1.5-tonne (braked) towing capacity. Feature wise, there’s a raft of safety, dynamics and infotainment tech to appreciate. Our top trim Takumi model’s highlights include the excellent 3rd generation Lexus Safety System+ with Pre- Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist & Automatic High Beam/Adaptive High-beam System. Also, Head Up Display, Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with four- year connected services subscription, cloud- based navigation, embedded navigation, voice assistant, 14in HD touchscreen and faster CPU, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seat adjustment and more. Over all this is a highly desirable, top quality, luxurious and attractive SUV that’s a pleasure to drive and be a passenger in. It’s a lot of car for the circa £59,700 cost. For more information visit www.lexus.co.uk
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New Toyota Highlander
Imposing, spacious and capable, the globally acclaimed Highlander is now available in an all-hybrid model range making it even more desirable for families who need a tough and versatile 7-seater, but want to minimise their environmental impact. To create the new Highlander Hybrid, Toyota has drawn on more than 20 years’ experience in making hybrid vehicles and more than 16 million global sales. The model’s fourth generation self-charging system provides up to 80 per cent emissions-free driving, combined with Toyota’s renowned quality, durability and reliability. A more practical proposition than plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology typically used for large SUVs, the Highlander’s self-charging hybrid powertrain and an electric cruising speed of up to 78mph is more suitable for those who frequently travel longer distances. The all-wheel drive 245bhp/182kW hybrid powertrain is exceptionally quiet and offers fuel economy (WLTP combined cycle) from 39.2 to 39.7mpg with 160 to 163g/km CO2 emissions – all respectable given the Highlander’s substantial size and weight. Acceleration is smooth and powerful, and the vehicle can tow loads of up to two tonnes. New Highlander Hybrid is 4,966mm long, 1,930mm wide and 1,755mm high and has a 2,850mm wheelbase. It has the sleek and sophisticated styling of a premium urban SUV while communicating the power, strength and durability of a rugged and versatile all-wheel drive model. Flared wheel arches and the shape of the upper and lower front grilles, reinforce the car’s broad and powerful stance and viewed side on, you get a real sense of dynamism generated by a sturdy, forward-leaning lower body and a rear-sloping roofline. Large, 20-inch alloy wheels add to the premium quality appearance. Seven attractive exterior paint colours are available, including a new Moondust blue pearlescent which uses a two-layer coating process. The Highlander’s interior is designed with all the practicality, durability and flexible space-on-demand expected of a seven-seat family SUV, while offering a comfortable and luxurious environment for everyone on board. The instrument panel has a solid central element that houses the eight-inch multimedia display and flows across the full width of the dashboard, framed by smooth, soft-touch padding. It is visually supported by a wide, square centre console. The switchgear is shaped to flow seamlessly from the panels and for ease of use. Satin and wood grain trim finishes add to the prestigious ambience, while the softtouch padding uses finely textured leather with precise stitchwork. The interior is upholstered in black perforated leather with textured silver ornamentation and dark wood trim. This is a remarkably spacious vehicle and true seven-seater. Unlike many SUVs there actually is spacious and accessible accommodation in the two third row seats, comfortable for even adults to use. Legroom
is generous throughout. A handy feature is the power tailgate with kick-sensor function on the Excel Premium model, giving easy handsfree access to the load compartment. When all seven seats are in place, this provides 332 litres of storage, including 27 litres beneath the floor. When second and third row seats are folded flat, the space increases to a whopping 1,909 litres. There are further storage spaces throughout the cabin, together with power, USB and external HDMI sockets and ports in the front and second row seat areas. Highlander is available in two high-specification versions in the UK: – Excel and Excel Premium. The Highlander Excel equipment features include seven-inch TFT multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle; multimedia system with a central eight-inch display, satellite navigation and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto); wireless smartphone charger; triple-zone air conditioning; heated and ventilated front seats; heated steering wheel; power tailgate; Skyview panoramic roof, black leather seat upholstery; and 11-speaker JBL Premium Sound System. The Excel Premium further gain kick-activated tailgate operation; ventilated front seats; heated outer second row seats; digital rear-view mirror; Panoramic View Monitor; and a head-up display. Options include an Essential Protection Pack (boot liner and chrome bumper protection plate); black side steps with stainless steel grips; and seven/13- pin towbars. On-theroad prices are £50,595 for the Highlander Excel and £52,575 for the Excel Premium. Both are protected by Toyota’s five-year/100,000-mile new vehicle warranty. Despite its size and weight, the Highlander is an engaging and pleasant drive and excels as a motorway cruiser, perfect for long family trips. You can choose your preferred drive mode to suit the occasion or conditions – Eco, Normal, Sport and Trail. All four modes can still be used when the vehicle is operating in its (separately selectable) EV all-electric mode. The gear ratio has been optimised for maximum fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. Resonance and noise have been suppressed by measures including polishing of the gear teeth and a new gear structure design, making the hybrid system quieter than ever before. Highlander is equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance technologies, designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions in a wide range of traffic scenarios. Elements include a Pre-Collision System that can detect pedestrians by day and night and cyclists during daytime driving, with Emergency Steering Assist and Intersection Turn Assistance; intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with curve speed reduction; Lane Trace Assist and Lane Departure Alert with steering control; Road Sign Assist; and Adaptive High- beam System. For more information visit: www.toyota.co.uk
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Volvo XC60 Recharge
These last few years no premium car manufacturer has made such a positive impact in terms of launching models with the highly coveted combination of elegance, versatility, quality, safety and eco-forward credentials than Volvo. The uber-cool Scandi minimalist aesthetic of the brand’s DNA has birthed cars such as the V90 which are a design-snob’s absolute delight. Our most recent model on test, the XC60 Recharge is no exception and is as desirable as SUVs can get. More compact than its also excellent XC90 sibling, the XC60 Recharge is a beautifully crafted midsize hybrid SUV perfect for family life. Bold sweeping lines give the SUV a coupe-esq feel. Viewed from any angle it’s undoubtedly an elegant, aerodynamic and perfectly proportioned car. From the sculpted side lines which run across the doors, to the stylish yet fuss-free lights and iconic Volvo front grille it’s hard to pick fault. Slip inside the cabin and the aesthetic appeal continues. As Volvo says on its website, ‘Details matter’, and that for all its models means tasteful, thoughtful, necessary and refreshingly frill-free. The cabins of the XC60 Recharge, same as the stunning V90 and XC90 reviewed are a masterclass in how to create a calm ambiance, be practical, use environmentally conscious materials and delight the eye. Pale neutral tones from nature and minimal artfully placed chrome details are used, complementing soft yet strong leather-free Tailored Wool Blend upholstery and a driftwood inlay with a pattern inspired by the elemental forces of water, wind and waves. Even the hand-crafted gear shift is of genuine Swedish crystal, made exclusively for Volvo by Orrefors. A panoramic roof which allows the light to flood in illuminates these lovely touches. Comfort is foremost too, and the cabins, both front and rear, are spacious, light and airy. Thoughtful features such as an advanced air purifier in the air quality system prevents up to 95 per cent of hazardous PM 2.5 particles entering the cabin, helping all occupants to enjoy better and healthier air quality, regardless of the conditions outside - and you can even monitor particle and pollen levels outside the car. Volvo interiors are the best you can experience, even compared against other brand models several times the price. The XC60 recharge literally has Google built in to provide best-in-class navigation and entertainment access. With Google Maps seamlessly integrated in the XC60 Recharge, real-time traffic information and automatic rerouting helps you reach your destination with less hassle. Google Assistant – you can talk to Google in your XC60 Recharge for
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
hands-free help. Easily get directions, enjoy entertainment and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues – just say “Hey Google” to get started. Plus you can stay connected to your digital life as Google Play in your XC60 Recharge lets you enjoy the apps and services that can make every journey more entertaining and convenient. Subscribe to the Digital Services Package and enjoy full access to all the remote services in the Volvo Cars app including locking and unlocking, cabin precleaning and cabin heating or cooling. Our Inscription model on test featured the excellent Premium Sound by Harman Kardon with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound. Of course there’s a wealth of safety features too, including a Head-Up Display which allows you to watch your speed, follow turn-by-turn navigation, and more without losing focus on the road. The brightness of the head-up display adapts automatically to the light conditions, and you can set the system to suit your own personal preferences. There’s also City Safety with Steering Support which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking and steering assistance. Plus Oncoming Lane Mitigation which automatically provides steering assistance if you unwittingly drift out of your lane, guiding you back into your lane and out of the path of any oncoming vehicles. Run-off Road Protection automatically tightens the front seatbelts should the car inadvertently leave the road, while front seat frames with a collapsible section reduce vertical forces to help prevent spinal injuries. And there are Automatic LED headlights with active high beam and a rear parking camera and front and rear parking sensors. Our XC60 Recharge T8 AWD Inscription Pro model on test was a delight to drive - smooth, supple, swift and engaging – more car-like than a good sized SUV. If you’ve been slightly nervous of going fully electric, this is an excellent model to reassure. It enables you to add electric power to your everyday drive and enjoy a plug-in hybrid that considers tomorrow without compromising today’s experience. With one pedal drive and all-wheel drive, the XC60 Recharge performs with agility while delivering relaxed control and a smooth, powerful drive. The T8 engine delivers 303hp (petrol) and 87hp (electric) and gives a combined economy of 100.9-113mpg with just 56-64g/km CO2. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 5.5 seconds, and the electric range is 46 miles. The XC60 Recharge is very probably the best mid-sized SUV around. Our model tested was £63,735 representing excellent value for this calibre of car. For more info visit www.volvocars.com/uk
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Audi Q4 Sportback
Versatile, stylish, sporty, tech-rich and created with the environment in mind, this premium SUV from Audi has all the attributes needed to be the perfect family car. Its strong clean lines give it an assured and sophisticated presence, and the high front, wide stance and large wheels hint at SUV robustness, whilst its sloping roofline adds a dash of Coupé styling. The large, enclosed single frame grille distinguishes it as an all-electric model and the ground clearance of approximately 18 centimetres enables the model to perform well on rougher terrain.
ard specification for Vorsprung versions and is a key component of the optional Technology Pack available for all other variants. Also new to the Q4 Sportback e-tron is a premium sound system supplied by Sonos, the world’s leading sound experience company and a new and exclusive Audi partner. It comes fitted as standard to Vorsprung versions and is available for all others as part of the optional Comfort and Sound pack, the system is incorporated into the Audi soundCube, a fully integrated and easily adaptable software environment.
The Q4 Sportback e-tron comes in a choice of eight paint finishes including the stunning new metallic shade aurora violet which has until now been reserved for Audi Sport models. In Sport versions 19-inch Graphite grey alloy wheels with a special ‘aero’ design that contributes to overall efficiency amply fill the wheel arches, which along with the lower section of the bumper and the diffusor are painted in contrasting metallic Manhattan grey. A gloss package also accentuates the side windows, which are privacy tinted at the rear in S line models and above.
If you’ve been hesitant to purchase a fully-electric model so far, this is a car to reassure you. The Q4 Sportback e-tron is as undemanding as possible and can be quickly and easily charged for daily use. Using the myAudi app, owners can activate charging remotely using a smartphone. The app also provides access to the comfort remote preconditioning system, which enables remote adjustment of the cabin temperature and seat heating functions to ensure that the cabin climate is always comfortable well before a journey begins.
Slip inside and the car continues to delight. This really is a practical, useable and versatile SUV – one that will integrate seamlessly into everyday life. The model’s 4.59-metre footprint offers a level of space which exceeds existing class standards and is in fact more closely comparable with the full-size SUV class. The spacious feel isn’t confined to the front seats – passengers in the rear also benefit from generous legroom thanks in part to the bespoke architecture of the modular electric drive system on which the compact electric SUVs are based, which ensures that a centre tunnel is no longer required. Storage space also abounds, with around 25 litres of capacity available throughout the cabin, including particularly useful bottle holders integrated in the upper section of the doors that can hold bottles of up to one litre in size safely and within easy reach. The luggage compartment is accessible via the powered tailgate which is standard for all variants. It also offers more space than is generally found in the compact class, and actually bears closer comparison with a midsize SUV. Depending on the positioning of the rear seat backs, the volume of the luggage compartment is 535 to a substantial 1,460 litres.
The Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro uses the 77 kWh battery and here it supplies an electric motor on each axle that contributes to a maximum output of 220 kW (299 PS) and 460 Nm (339.3 lb-ft) of torque, while also delivering the advantages of all-wheel-drive. One full charge is enough for circa 300 plus mile range, making most journeys a stop and re-charge free breeze. To drive the Q4 Sportback e-tron is dynamic and engaging. The ride is firm without discomfort, steering precise and it feels very well powered and balanced. Visibility is great and everything needed is ergonomically placed.
The interior of the Q4 Sportback e-tron is characterised by a real sense of space. The centrepiece is the striking instrument panel. This is oriented towards the driver and divided into separate areas integrating two displays - the central MMI touch monitor, with acoustic feedback and natural language voice control, and the Audi virtual cockpit. There’s a new augmented reality head-up display which forms part of the stand-
As you’d expect from Audi, there’s an extensive range of driver assist systems. Everyday driving in the compact electric SUVs is facilitated, and delivered as economically as possible, by a number of standard assistance systems. These include predictive efficiency assist, which supports a forward-looking driving style that optimises the consumption of energy, Audi Pre-sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and swerve and turn assist. There’s also a number of packages - Assistance Package Pro include adaptive cruise assist, which assists the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range, and a four-camera system providing 360° visibility that makes lighter work of city driving and parking. The Safety Package Plus adds features such as Audi Side Assist blindspot monitoring and the rear cross traffic assist reversing aid. Both packages are standard Q4 e-tron Sportbrake features.Prices range from £42,250 to £66,750. For more information visit Audi UK : www.audi.co.uk
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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
Land Rover Defender
Despite being no stranger to driving Defenders for years, it’s always a treat to get behind the wheel. And great to see the New Defender isn’t a diluted down polite cousin of its hallowed predecessors but is still as tough as old boots and snow, mud and ruts ready as ever. Our model on test was the Defender 90 P300 X Dynamic SE resplendent in rather tasteful Tasman Blue Metallic with black accents and an Ebony interior. The distinctive upright boxy silhouette of the earlier models is still evident, albeit given more size, substance and muscularity – it would be unforgivable after all, to pay no design homage to the beloved originals. On the driveway it’s much larger and wider than you might imagine, with wide apart wheels, high bonnet and roof line and plenty of ground clearance meaning you almost need a step to stand on to enter the cabin! This of course makes for a great command driving position, where you’ve excellent views of the terrain ahead. The front of the cabin is remarkably spacious, with ample space between driver and front passenger. Our only slight gripes are that being only a three door vehicle which is high off the ground, it’s a bit of a reach, scramble and squeeze to get into the rear, and the boot with the seats up is a little small. These niggles aside, there is much to commend, including durability of materials, raft of technology and connectivity. Our X Dynamic SE model on test (£53,930 On The Road ) came with a whole two column A4 sheet of features – something you’re more likely to find on a luxury sportscar spec, than a premium SUV with utilitarian heritage. There’s too many items to list here, but highlights are heated, electric, power fold door mirrors with approach lights and auto-dimming, Windsor leather with Steel cut premium textile, 14-way heated and cooled electric memory front seats with 4-way manual headrests, an excellent 3D Surround Camera and 360 degree Parking Aid, sliding panoramic roof, orange brake callipers, Head Up Display, Terrain Response 2 and more, much more. Tech-wise, this really is a thoroughly modern SUV. There’s a wealth of infotainment, driving aid and safety features as standard and extras. As standard for the Dynamic SE you’ve the 3D surround camera mentioned, Smartphone Pack, Connected Navigation Pro, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Breaking, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter etc, and the the X spec on test features the likes of Configurable Terrain Response and the Driver Assist Pack which includes Blind Spot Assist, Clear Exit Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Monitor and Rear Traffic Monitor.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
To drive the New Defender feels robust, protective and tough. It’s a car you really feel safe it. Out on the road is where the magical transformation is really evident too. I’m sure I could be forgiven for saying the older models were a little rough and ready to drive on road, with minimal noise insulation and weren’t perhaps the most comfortable choice for long, fast motorway jaunts. This new model is a revelation. Smooth, relatively quiet, well-powered, balanced and pretty nippy too thanks to its P300, 2.0L 300hp, 400Nm petrol engine with AWD. The 0-62 sprint can be tackled in just 6.7 seconds, and on to 119mph. Economy isn’t great – but for this size and weight of vehicle, at up to 22.7mpg combined, not bad either. There is now an efficient plug in hybrid to choose with pretty impressive eco-stats. Off-road the New Defender remains unconquered. Its admirable breadth of capability raises the threshold for off-road ruggedness and on-road comfort. Underpinned by Land Rover’s strong D7x aluminium platform – the brand’s stiffest ever body structure – advanced allterrain technologies and state-of-the-art powertrains deliver unstoppable capability. Its carefully honed handling delivers a rewarding drive and first-class long-haul comfort across all terrains, and the experts at Euro NCAP have given Defender a maximum five-star safety rating. A choice of advanced Ingenium petrol and cleaner diesel engines ensure Defender has the power, control and efficiency for any environment, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain provides silent EV-only progress of up to 27 miles. In addition, a powerful supercharged petrol V8 new levels of performance and driver engagement to the Defender family. State-of-the art technology ensures Defender delivers 21st century connectivity. Its next-generation Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA2) works in conjunction with Software Over the Air (SOTA) to ensure Defender is always connected and always up to date. Intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment features a simple menu structure and allows the most commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the home screen, while the easily customised layouts require 50 per cent fewer inputs than before. The Defender family now encompasses the Defender 90 and Defender 110, as well as the 90 and 110 Hard Top commercial variants, while the new 525PS Defender V8 combines characteristic Land Rover capability with incredible performance and bespoke chassis settings for heightened driver engagement. For more information on this remarkable vehicle visit Land Rover. www.landrover.co.uk
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